The CEO of Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, says Ghana has an opportunity to turn its tomato crisis into a success story, if the country works closely with farmers already growing the crop.
Ghana’s tomato market is under pressure. Burkina Faso, the main supplier of fresh tomatoes, has stopped exports, leaving local markets scrambling and prices climbing. Tomatoes, a staple in nearly every household, have suddenly become scarce, exposing the gap between domestic production and demand.
Dr. Kamassah believes the solution is clear, and achievable. “The short term is that we have to be in collaboration with the government and then the private sector,” he said, stressing that coordinated efforts could mobilize resources quickly, expand production, and prevent further price spikes.
The country has fertile land, experienced farmers, and favorable climate conditions, yet domestic output only covers a fraction of annual demand. Ghana consumes over one million metric tonnes of tomatoes each year, while local production averages roughly 368,000 to 420,000 metric tonnes. Burkina Faso historically fills most of the gap, supplying more than 90% of fresh tomato imports. The recent halt has highlighted Ghana’s heavy reliance on external sources and the urgent need for local solutions.
Farmers in areas like Dawhenya and Weija are already preparing nurseries and planting seedlings. Dr. Kamassah says these existing efforts, if properly coordinated and supported, could start easing the supply crunch within weeks. Investments in irrigation, greenhouses, and climate-smart seed varieties could allow production to be year-round, rather than limited to seasonal rains.
“We can’t wait for long again,” he added, underscoring the urgency for immediate collaboration. By bringing together government agencies, private investors, researchers, and farmer associations, Ghana could stabilize the tomato supply, reduce dependence on imports, and set a model for other staple crops.
For Dr. Kamassah, this is more than a short-term fix, it is a chance to rethink Ghana’s approach to agriculture. By leveraging what is already being grown and investing in collaboration, the country can turn a crisis into a sustainable, home-grown solution, ensuring that tomatoes remain on plates across Ghana all year round.
