Ghana Targets Self-Sufficiency with Tomato Production Boost
Ghana has taken a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in tomato production with the signing of a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and FarmMate Limited. The partnership aims to increase annual tomato production to 600,000 tons, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imports.
According to #GHOneNews, the agreement is expected to create over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the value chain, supporting tens of thousands of farmers and prioritizing youth training and apprenticeship programs. Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, described the initiative as a “practical and scalable solution” to longstanding challenges in the tomato sector, including price volatility, post-harvest losses, and seasonal shortages.
The project will involve the development of large-scale commercial farms, modern irrigation systems, and tomato processing plants in key production zones. FarmMate will lead implementation, production, and value chain operations, while the government provides policy support, coordination, and an enabling environment. The initiative is expected to improve incomes, boost productivity, and give farmers the confidence to scale production.
“This partnership directly addresses persistent issues such as price volatility, post-harvest losses, and seasonal shortages that have affected tomato production in Ghana for years,” Minister Opoku said. FarmMate’s CEO, Sena Amevor, expressed optimism about the partnership’s long-term impact, stating that it will “not only enhance local production but also drive meaningful socio-economic growth”.
The agreement is part of Ghana’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and strengthen its agricultural sector. With an annual import bill of about $500 million, the country is seeking to reduce its reliance on imported tomatoes and stabilize the local market.
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Source: Stella Sunu
