Despite significant investments in greenhouse technology and controlled-environment agriculture, Ghana is still unable to attain self-sufficiency in t
Despite significant investments in greenhouse technology and controlled-environment agriculture, Ghana is still unable to attain self-sufficiency in tomato production, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has said.
The Executive Director of PFAG, Bismark Owusu Nortey, expressed concern that greenhouse initiatives have yet to deliver sustainable, year-round tomato output.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Monday, February 23, he noted that structural bottlenecks continue to limit farmers’ ability to produce consistently and at scale.
“It’s unfortunate that over the years of investment in greenhouse facilities for tomatoes, we are still not able to be self-sufficient in the production of that crop,” he said.
His remarks come amid rising tomato prices in several markets across Accra following last week’s deadly attack on Ghanaian traders in neighbouring Burkina Faso. Traders say disruptions in cross-border supply have led to shortages, driving up prices and putting pressure on consumers.
Mr. Nortey identified the absence of industrial tomato processing factories as a critical weakness in the agricultural value chain. Without processing plants to absorb surplus produce during peak harvest periods, farmers lack the incentive to maintain year-round production.
“We do not have industrial tomato processing factories where we can create a system for farmers to produce all year round to feed those industries,” he explained.
He added that the limited processing capacity results in post-harvest losses during bumper seasons and discourages farmers from expanding operations beyond seasonal cultivation.
According to him, achieving self-sufficiency in tomato production requires more than greenhouse infrastructure. It demands coordinated investment in irrigation systems, storage facilities, improved seed development, and agro-processing industries.
He cautioned that until these interconnected challenges are addressed, Ghana will remain dependent on imports during lean seasons, leaving the country vulnerable to external supply shocks and price volatility.
Mr. Nortey therefore called for a comprehensive agricultural strategy that integrates production, storage, and processing to promote sustainable growth and strengthen food security.
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