Prof. Ransford Gyampo, Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, has urged the government to prioritize investments in irrigation and greenhouse farming as a strategic step toward making Ghana self-sufficient in tomato production.
During a visit to Paga, he expressed concern over Ghana’s continued reliance on foreign supply despite having favorable conditions for local cultivation.
“Burkina Faso, with less fertile land, has managed to build a thriving tomato industry through deliberate government support, including irrigation systems and agricultural investments. Ghana, on the other hand, remains dependent on unpredictable rainfall, which limits our productivity,” he said.
Ghana imports over 90% of its fresh tomatoes from Burkina Faso, spending millions of dollars annually.
This dependence has led to frequent shortages, price volatility, and a lack of job security for local farmers and traders.
Hence, Prof. Gyampo stressed that with the right policies and infrastructure, Ghana could reverse tgis trend and be self reliant.
“We need a structured approach that includes investment in irrigation, greenhouse technology, and research into high-yield tomato varieties.”
“If we commit to this, Ghana can become self-sufficient by the end of President Mahama’s second term,” he added.
While advocating for local production, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade ties with Burkina Faso and learning from its agricultural strategies.
“This is not about cutting off trade but about ensuring that Ghana’s farmers are empowered to compete and contribute to economic growth,” he said.
He highlighted the need for subsidies, improved storage facilities, and access to credit for farmers.
He believed that with targeted investment, Ghana can significantly reduce its reliance on imports and develop a more resilient agricultural economy.
