As the tomato market strain exposes Ghana’s reliance on imports, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, CEO of Maplix Trust Ghana Limited, has strategically positioned his 200-acre Dawhenya farm as a solution-ready model. If fully collaborated with by government and private actors, the initiative could not only salvage the current shortage but also increase local production capacity, stabilize prices, and provide a blueprint for self-sufficiency in the tomato sector.
“We want to look at close to 200 acres,” Dr. Kamassah said, outlining his plan to turn the Dawhenya site into a vegetable hub supported by modern irrigation and open-field expansion.
Currently, the farm operates as a greenhouse, but the vision is far larger: a coordinated, large-scale tomato production system capable of supplying urban markets consistently and reducing dependency on imports.
The significance of the Dawhenya farm becomes clearer when considering Ghana’s current tomato supply dynamics. Domestic production consistently falls short of national demand, estimated at over a million metric tonnes annually, while local output averages roughly 368,000 to 420,000 tonnes.
The rest comes primarily from Burkina Faso, which supplies more than 90% of imported fresh tomatoes. With Burkina Faso’s recent export halt, markets have already seen prices surge, highlighting the fragility of Ghana’s supply chain.
Dr. Kamassah’s approach is built on coordination and collaboration, not just land or production. He emphasizes that farmers across regions, including Dawhenya and Weija, are already planting nurseries and preparing seedlings. However, these efforts remain fragmented. By linking these local producers with government support, private-sector investment, and research expertise, Ghana could quickly expand supply and stabilize prices, creating a network that benefits both farmers and consumers.
“The short term is that we have to be in collaboration with the government and then the private sector,” he added, underscoring the urgency of immediate, coordinated action. Dr. Kamassah believes that within one and a half to two months, strategic support and collaboration could deliver measurable supply into the markets, cushioning households from price shocks before the main harvest season begins.
The Dawhenya farm also showcases modern agricultural practices that can increase productivity and efficiency. Greenhouse cultivation allows for climate-controlled growth, while irrigation infrastructure ensures production is not solely dependent on seasonal rains. Coupled with climate-adapted tomato varieties, these interventions can produce a steady, high-quality supply year-round. Dr. Kamassah’s vision extends to creating a hub model, where clustered, coordinated farming across regions ensures minimal post-harvest losses and predictable delivery schedules to urban markets.
Beyond immediate supply, the farm serves as a demonstration site for potential expansion nationwide. By leveraging existing knowledge and expertise, Ghana can replicate this model in other regions, reducing dependence on foreign imports and improving food security. Coordinated efforts could also help the government plan irrigation, access improved seed varieties, and train farmers in climate-smart practices, addressing some of the structural challenges that have constrained tomato production for years.
Dr. Kamassah’s 200-acre vision at Dawhenya is a strategic intervention, designed to turn crisis into opportunity. By aligning local farmers, the government, and private investors, Ghana has the potential to close its tomato demand-supply gap, stabilize the market, and lay the foundation for a more self-sufficient agricultural sector.
