Ghana’s tomato industry is bleeding billions of cedis each year due to severe post-harvest losses, with an estimated 30–45% of locally grown produce spoiling before reaching markets.
According to a press release by the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) on 16 February 2026, these losses amount to between GH¢175 million and GH¢250 million annually, driven largely by inadequate storage facilities and poor post-harvest handling.
The inefficiencies not only reduce farmers’ incomes but also deprive the economy of potential tax revenue and job creation opportunities.
The Chamber notes that the shortfall in domestic supply has forced Ghana to rely heavily on imported tomatoes and tomato paste, costing the country between GH¢650 million and GH¢760 million each year.
Ghana imports between 75,000 and 100,000 metric tonnes of fresh tomatoes and 78,000 to 100,000 metric tonnes of tomato paste, making it one of the largest global importers of tomato paste.
CAG estimates that the broader economic impact of underdeveloped local production includes about GH¢4.5 billion in foregone wages that could be earned by Ghanaians if the sector were fully optimized.
To address the losses, CAG has proposed a GH¢3.2 billion investment under its National Tomato Production Strategy (2026–2030).
The plan aims to reduce imports by at least GH¢600 million annually, generate GH¢220 million in tax revenue, and strengthen domestic production and processing capacity.
The Chamber emphasizes that urgent investment and consistent policy support are critical to safeguarding Ghana’s food security, boosting local employment, and retaining billions of cedis within the economy.
