Security analyst Prof. Kwesi Aning has sparked a heated national conversation following renewed concerns about instability in Burkina Faso and its ripple effects on Ghana’s food supply chain.
Reacting to developments surrounding security challenges in Burkina Faso, Prof. Aning posed a blunt and thought-provoking question: “Don’t you think that there’s a failure when in a fertile country like Ghana, we travel to a desert to go and buy tomatoes?”
Burkina Faso Attacks and Regional Tensions
Burkina Faso has in recent years faced recurring militant attacks and political instability, raising concerns across West Africa. The country remains a key source of tomatoes for Ghanaian markets, especially during certain farming seasons.
With ongoing insecurity disrupting trade routes and transportation, questions are being raised about Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported tomatoes from its northern neighbour.
A Fertile Nation, Yet Importing
Ghana is widely regarded as one of West Africa’s agriculturally fertile countries, blessed with arable land and favourable rainfall patterns. Yet, traders frequently travel to Burkina Faso to purchase tomatoes in large quantities for resale in Ghanaian markets.
Prof. Aning’s comment highlights what many see as a structural weakness in Ghana’s agricultural planning, storage systems, and supply chain management. Despite various government initiatives aimed at boosting local production, post-harvest losses and seasonal shortages continue to push traders across the border.
National Security Meets Food Security
Beyond economics, the issue touches on national security. Dependence on a country experiencing frequent attacks poses risks to supply chains, food prices, and market stability.
Experts argue that food security must be treated as a strategic national priority, especially in a region facing growing instability.
Public Reactions
Prof. Aning’s remarks have generated intense debate. Some agree that Ghana must urgently invest in irrigation, storage facilities, and farmer support systems to reduce import reliance. Others note that cross-border trade is a normal economic activity within ECOWAS and not necessarily a sign of failure.
However, the core question remains: should a country with Ghana’s agricultural potential depend heavily on imports of basic produce like tomatoes?
As security concerns persist in Burkina Faso, the conversation is shifting from politics to productivity — and whether Ghana is doing enough to secure its own food future.
