Tomato traders at the Asafo and Roman Hill markets in Kumasi have appealed to the Government to take urgent steps to revive Ghana’s tomato industry, saying increased investment is needed to ensure year-round production, stabilise prices and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
The traders said strengthening the local tomato sector would guarantee a steady supply of the commodity, improve marketing opportunities for farmers and traders, and contribute to national food security.
In an interview, the traders explained that although Kumasi remains one of Ghana’s major centres for tomato trading, declining domestic production has forced many traders to depend on supplies from neighbouring countries, particularly during periods of scarcity.
They said the situation had worsened this year after heavy rains destroyed tomato farms in key producing areas, leading to reduced supplies and significant price increases.
The traders also noted that tomatoes previously sourced from Burkina Faso were no longer readily available, further tightening supply and putting pressure on prices.
According to them, rising production costs, recurring pest and disease outbreaks, inadequate irrigation infrastructure and erratic weather patterns have discouraged many farmers from expanding cultivation, while others have abandoned tomato farming altogether.
Madam Ama Agyeiwaa, a tomato trader at the Asafo Market, said the shortage was affecting not only traders but also restaurants, chop bars, food vendors and households that rely on fresh tomatoes for daily cooking.
She urged the Government to expand irrigation facilities in major tomato-growing communities to support all-year-round production and reduce farmers’ dependence on rainfall.
Madam Agyeiwaa also called for improved access to disease-resistant tomato seeds and affordable fertilisers to help farmers increase yields and improve the quality of their produce.
Another trader, Madam Ataa Yaa, appealed to the Government to invest in technologies that would enable farmers to cultivate tomatoes successfully during the rainy season.
“Tomatoes are an essential ingredient in almost every home, so we need innovative farming methods that will ensure continuous production throughout the year,” she said.
The traders further called for improvements in road infrastructure linking farming communities to major markets, saying better roads would reduce transportation costs and minimise post-harvest losses.
They also advocated the establishment of modern cold storage facilities to preserve tomatoes during periods of surplus production and reduce spoilage.
According to the traders, developing a vibrant tomato processing industry would provide farmers with a ready market for their produce while protecting them from price fluctuations during bumper harvests.
They appealed to financial institutions to introduce affordable credit schemes for tomato farmers and market women to enable them to expand their businesses and improve productivity across the value chain.
The traders encouraged more young people to venture into commercial tomato farming, noting that increased government support through mechanisation, irrigation and access to finance would make the sector more attractive and profitable.
They also recommended backyard tomato cultivation as a practical way for households to supplement supplies during periods of shortage.
The traders further urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to strengthen extension services by providing farmers with training on climate-smart agriculture, modern production techniques, and effective pest and disease management.
They stressed that stronger collaboration among farmers, traders, processors and transport operators would improve efficiency across the tomato value chain and help ensure a consistent supply of tomatoes throughout the year.
