Government has outlined a raft of strategies aimed at boosting tomato production, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding irrigation-backed farming to stabilise supply in the wake of Burkina Faso’s export ban.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, assured the public that the country would not face a tomato shortage despite the disruption in imports.
He explained that the immediate response focuses on developing high-yielding seed varieties, scaling up irrigation schemes and strengthening market linkages to reduce waste and ensure farmers have ready buyers for their produce.
A key component of the strategy involves collaboration with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement to produce improved tomato seeds capable of increasing yields to at least 15 metric tonnes per hectare within a short period.
The Minister noted that Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports from Burkina Faso had exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s food system, stressing the urgency of building local capacity.
“We have been importing tomatoes from Burkina Faso to supplement local production… a clear indication that if we don’t put in place the right mechanisms to increase production, we are likely to run into challenges,” he said.
Data from the Ministry indicate that 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.
The situation is further compounded by significant post-harvest losses, with approximately 30% of local production — about 153,000 metric tonnes — going to waste each year.
The Minister stressed that reducing these losses could substantially bridge the supply gap without necessarily expanding farmland.
“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,” Mr Opoku emphasised.
As part of ongoing interventions under the Vegetable Development Project, the Government is expanding irrigation infrastructure to support year-round production. This includes the development of cluster farming systems in Ahafo and Fanteakwa, where 60 hectares each have been equipped with mechanisation and water supply systems.
Additionally, 250 boreholes are being drilled across the northern regions to support vegetable farming, while hundreds of hectares under existing irrigation schemes are being secured for immediate tomato cultivation.
The Minister revealed that a rehabilitated irrigation scheme has made 500 hectares available for production, with arrangements in place to connect farmers directly to buyers to guarantee off-take and minimise post-harvest losses. Another 100 hectares has also been secured at Akumadan to further scale up output.
Farmers participating in the programme are being supported with improved seeds, fertilisers and technical expertise to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Mr Opoku expressed confidence that the combined measures — improving yields, reducing waste and strengthening market systems — would not only stabilise tomato supply in the short term but also enhance Ghana’s long-term food security.
The government’s intervention comes at a critical time, as the country seeks to reduce dependence on imports and build resilience within its agricultural sector amid regional trade disruptions.
