Government Rolls Out Urgent Measures to Boost Local Tomato Production After Burkina Faso Export Ban

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has announced a comprehensive package of interventions aimed at significantly increasing local tomato production following Burkina Faso’s decision to ban tomato exports to Ghana.

Addressing a press conference, the Minister warned that Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported tomatoes poses a serious risk to food security and called for immediate action to boost domestic output.

“Anytime as a nation, we’ve been importing tomatoes from Burkina Faso to supplement local production. With this ban, it is clear that if we do not put in place the right mechanisms, we are likely to face serious challenges,” he stated.

Current Production Deficit

According to official figures, Ghana’s annual tomato demand stands at approximately 805,000 metric tons, while local production averages only 510,000 metric tons, creating a deficit of nearly 295,000 metric tons.

The Minister attributed the shortfall not to lack of land but to low productivity. While Burkina Faso achieves about 18 metric tons per hectare, Ghana currently records only 8 metric tons per hectare.

He emphasised that the solution lies in improving yields rather than simply expanding farmland.

Major Interventions Announced

The government is implementing a two-pronged strategy focusing on productivity and post-harvest management:

1. Improved Seed Varieties The Ministry is partnering with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) and other research institutions to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient tomato varieties. The target is to raise average yields to at least 15 metric tons per hectare in the short term.
2. Vegetable Development Project Launched under President John Dramani Mahama, the project includes:
   • Distribution of quality seeds and fertilizers
   • Expansion of irrigation infrastructure
   • Strengthening of market linkages to minimise post-harvest losses

The project is already active in the Ahafo and Bono East regions, with farmer clusters receiving inputs and technical support.

Irrigation and Production Expansion

• Drilling of 250 boreholes across five regions to support year-round production
• 500 hectares secured under a refurbished irrigation scheme for immediate tomato cultivation
• An additional 100 hectares mobilised in other irrigation zones
• Direct connection of farmers to buyers to guarantee ready markets

Input Support

The Ministry is distributing nationwide:

• 13 metric tons of improved tomato seeds
• 69,000 metric tons of fertilizers
• 883,200 litres of plant protection products

The government also plans to scale up cultivation from 1,000 acres across 81 communities last year to 40,000 hectares this year.

Processing and Value Addition

A new tomato processing and aggregation centre near the Legon Bypass has been established to produce tomato puree with longer shelf life, helping to reduce waste and ensure supply during lean seasons.

Backyard and Institutional Farming

The Minister encouraged households to engage in backyard gardening under the Feed Ghana Programme. Already, over 400 secondary schools have been enrolled to grow tomatoes for their own consumption.

Assurance to the Public

Minister Opoku assured Ghanaians that there will be no immediate shortage of tomatoes.

“We are putting in place adequate mechanisms to ensure that we not only meet demand but exceed it. The issue of shortage will not arise,” he said.

He called for collective effort from private investors, farmers, institutions, and households to support the initiative and reduce Ghana’s dependence on tomato imports.

Source: Press conference by Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture (March 25, 2026)