The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has urged importers and traders going against Burkina Faso’s ban on exporting cereals and white beans from its territory.
In a press release, the ministry stated that the ban, first issued on December 19, 2023, prohibited the export of cereals: rice, millet, maize, sorghum and white beans (cowpea) from Burkina Faso.
In referencing a communiqué from Burkina Faso, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the directive was reinforced through another notice on November 13, 2024, reminding buyers that the restriction was still in force.
The Government of Burkina Faso implemented this ban to safeguard domestic food supplies and curb rising cereal prices following a significant decline in 2021 cereal production.
As of February 2022, staple cereal prices were near-record levels, up to 45 percent higher than the previous year.
In 2023, Ghana imported about $25,560 worth of cereals from Burkina Faso, according to United Nations COMTRADE data.
The Ministry urged all affected stakeholders to take note of the ban and act accordingly.
Meanwhile, a section of Ghanaians took to social media to express their varied opinions. While some people are hearing of Ghana’s import of these products from Burkina Faso, others think it’s an opportunity for farmers in Ghana to increase their investments in these sector.
According to some users on X, the ban will compel Ghana to grow its own food and depend less on imports.
“Forcing us to do what we should have done a long time ago. Now, let’s feed ourselves”, an X user, Sandra Agyeiwaa tweeted.
Another X user with the handle @KSnetne siad, “For Ghanaian traders, this is a crucial reminder to diversify supply sources and strengthen local agricultural production. While the ban may disrupt trade, it also signals the need for Ghana to double down on boosting domestic food production. Let’s hope the government takes proactive steps to support farmers and stabilize prices”.
For most Ghanaians, this is a wake up call to all citizens to venture into backyard farming to augment the existing agricultural infrastructure that we have as a country.
Reporting by Stephen Freeman, Accra
