The President of the Tomato and Onion Truck Drivers Association, Eric Tuffour, has stated that recent figures detailing Ghana’s massive tomato imports should not surprise anyone, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent challenges are not addressed.
He was reacting to latest research revealing that Ghana’s annual tomato imports alone exceed US$230 million.
Conducted by researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the study disclosed that the high import dependency is driven by weak seed systems, limited irrigation, poor soil health, disease pressure, and insufficient investment in horticultural research.
National demand for fresh and processed tomatoes now exceeds 1.4 million metric tonnes annually, yet local production meets only 15 to 18 per cent of that requirement.
Commenting on the findings, Mr Tuffour argued that the figures reflect a long-standing lack of commitment to expanding the domestic tomato sector, leaving the country heavily reliant on foreign imports to feed its population.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he urged Ghanaian authorities to step up their efforts.
“Let the figures not surprise you. From December to May, we do not have tomatoes in Ghana. We have over-depended on the only two dams in Bia and Dombo to water our tomatoes and other crops. Because of that, our tomatoes are affected by tomato disease. Burkina Faso realised the rate at which we patronised tomatoes in the Upper East was huge, so they put measures in place to advance their tomato sector. At the time, they had only 10 to 20 dams, but as we speak, they have 111 dams, with each dam loading about ten trucks. So what is Ghana doing? You cannot plant tomatoes without water.”
He highlighted key agricultural communities such as Dormaa Ahenkro, Tuobodom, Derbaa, and Bechem as highly suitable for tomato farming, noting, however, that farmers in these areas lack access to water, particularly during the dry season.
Mr Tuffour expressed frustration that despite the association repeatedly submitting suggestions and recommendations to improve the sector, political leaders have failed to implement effective solutions.
He urged the Minister for Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to “walk the talk” following recent assurances regarding support for tomato farming.
He added that tomatoes have become Burkina Faso’s major export, with 99 per cent entering Ghana, generating approximately 66 billion CFA francs for the neighbouring country.
“Our leaders should engage us. We have been in the industry for years and have the technical knowledge to help. We can create dams in Afram Plains because the area has virgin land suitable for tomato farming.”
He further lamented the sharp rise in domestic tomato prices, revealing that a single box of tomatoes from Dormaa Ahenkro now costs at least GH¢7,000.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana