Ghana targets local tomato production with government support

Ghana plans to significantly increase domestic tomato production by the end of 2026. This move aims to lessen its reliance on imports, especially from Burkina Faso.

Latest data shows Ghana imported tomatoes worth $18.8 million from April 2024 to March 2025. This included 1,740 shipments of fresh tomatoes. Burkina Faso supplied 77% of these shipments, followed by the Netherlands at 16% and France at 3%.

A recent event, the Gathering of Royals 2026, brought together nearly 700 queen mothers and market queens. They discussed ways to improve tomato farming and the agricultural system. This gathering also promoted the government's Nkoko Nkikiti programme.

Key discussions focused on making the tomato supply chain stronger. The goal is to build a network of local producers who can grow more tomatoes and add value to them. There were 469 shipments of canned tomatoes from April 2024 to March 2025. These mainly came from China, Italy, and South Africa. Also, 1,426 shipments of tomato concentrate arrived, mainly from Ivory Coast and China.

The event also launched a new plan for 2027 to focus on the tomato sector. Queen mothers received poultry starter packs. This is part of an Agrihouse Foundation initiative supporting the government's Nkoko Nkikiti programme. This programme helps young people in their communities start businesses.

The Agrihouse Foundation aims to support 1,600 young women nationwide to start poultry businesses. Each region will have 100 women helped. This support goes beyond just giving chicks. It includes feed, vaccines, and other items to help these businesses succeed.

The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana pledged support for research and training for women in agriculture. This effort aims to create a strong network of tomato producers who can scale up production.