Ghana is targeting the production of about 100,000 tonnes of tomatoes from more than 10,000 acres of land under a new initiative aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported tomatoes.
The Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI), launched in Anloga in the Volta Region, is being implemented by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in partnership with FarmMate Limited. The first phase covers the 2026/2027 production cycle.
The initiative will be rolled out across 35 districts in 10 regions, with the initial production target forming part of a longer-term plan to raise Ghana’s annual tomato output to about 400,000 tonnes from more than 40,000 acres.
Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku said the programme was designed to establish a reliable, year-round tomato supply chain linking farmers to irrigation, inputs, financing, insurance, processing, logistics and guaranteed markets.
He said Ghana currently experienced a tomato shortage between December and July while losing a significant proportion of its harvest during periods of excess production.
“We experience scarcity at one point and waste at another,” Mr Opoku said, explaining that the initiative would address the seasonal nature of production and weaknesses in the connection between farmers, markets and processors.
Ghana’s annual tomato demand is estimated at about 805,000 metric tonnes, against current production of approximately 510,000 metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of nearly 300,000 tonnes. About 30 per cent of local production, equivalent to roughly 153,000 tonnes, is also lost after harvest, according to MoFA data.
Under the initiative, participating farmers will receive a production financing package estimated at GH¢20,000 per acre, covering inputs, land preparation, soil testing, technical assistance and insurance. Repayment will be made through a structured off-take arrangement, with contracted buyers purchasing the produce directly from farmers.
Farmers will also be covered by multi-peril crop insurance, while a pension arrangement is expected to set aside an agreed portion of their income after harvest to provide additional financial security.
The government says the initiative will progressively reduce import dependence while creating opportunities for processing and value addition, including the production of tomato purée and other products.
The programme is also expected to generate more than 150,000 direct and indirect jobs during its first phase.