Ghana is accelerating efforts to secure its tomato supply chain following disruptions triggered by Burkina Faso’s decision to suspend exports to its southern neighbour.
In response, the government has launched an ambitious irrigation drive, beginning with the construction of 250 boreholes across the five northern regions to boost vegetable farming, especially tomato production. The move is aimed at reducing Ghana’s dependence on imports while strengthening local production capacity.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on March 25, Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku described the intervention as an urgent response to supply vulnerabilities exposed by regional trade shifts.
Ghana has long relied on Burkina Faso for tomato imports, but the export halt has intensified pressure on domestic production systems already grappling with low yields—currently averaging about 8 metric tonnes per hectare.
To address this, the government is also reviving large-scale irrigation infrastructure. At the Tono Irrigation Scheme, 2,400 hectares of land have been restored and made ready for cultivation.
However, tomato production at the scheme had declined in recent years as farmers switched to rice due to unreliable markets. Following renewed engagement with authorities, farmers have now committed 500 hectares to immediate tomato cultivation.
Officials believe that improved irrigation and renewed farmer participation will not only stabilise supply but also help cushion the country against future external shocks in the agricultural sector.
