The government has stepped in to resolve mounting disruptions in Ghana’s tomato supply chain, with the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, engaging producers, traders and transporters in talks aimed at restoring stability to the industry.
At a meeting with the Federation of Tomato Growers Associations and the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association, stakeholders outlined challenges that have repeatedly strained the movement of tomatoes from farms to markets across the country.
Pricing disagreements, high transport costs, post-harvest losses and limited access to reliable markets were cited as key factors undermining the sector and contributing to the current distribution impasse, which has affected both farmers’ incomes and urban food supply.
Ofosu-Adjare said the government is committed to a collaborative approach that balances the interests of producers, traders and transporters while strengthening domestic agribusiness. She stressed that cooperation across the value chain is critical to restoring confidence, ensuring fair trading practices and protecting livelihoods.
The Minister also pointed to the broader economic impact of the disruptions, noting that weak coordination within the sector has forced traders to rely on tomato imports from neighbouring countries, even when local production capacity exists.
Leaders of the two associations welcomed the engagement, describing it as a necessary intervention after years of unresolved tensions. They expressed confidence that sustained dialogue would lead to practical measures to improve pricing structures, transport arrangements and market access, particularly in Tuobodom in the Techiman North District, a major centre for tomato aggregation and trade.
The discussions form part of wider government efforts to stabilise agricultural value chains, reduce import dependence and support domestic production under Ghana’s industrial and agribusiness strategy.
