Ghana is aiming to produce between 200,000 and 300,000 metric tonnes of tomatoes within the next two to three years, particularly during the dry season, as part of efforts to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imports, according to Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo.
Speaking in a recent interview, he said Ghana’s annual tomato demand is close to 800,000 metric tonnes, and the current strategy focuses on expanding production through irrigation, research and direct support to farmers.
He disclosed that trials are ongoing at key irrigation sites, including the Komadan irrigation scheme in the Ashanti Region, the Tono Dam in northern Ghana, and irrigation facilities in Garu. Harvesting has already begun in some locations, with further assessments planned.
Mr Dumelo said the immediate target is to cut tomato imports by 20 to 30 per cent within two years, while longer-term efforts could eliminate imports entirely within five to six years if current trials and research are sustained. He added that selected farmers are receiving solar-powered boreholes and water pumps to boost dry-season production, including support recently extended to vegetable farmers in the Eastern Region.
Although the projected output increase will not yet make the country fully self-sufficient, he stressed that agricultural transformation requires time and sustained investment. He expressed confidence that the programme could eventually end tomato imports into Ghana from Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries.