Ghana Targets 300,000 Metric Tonnes of Dry Season Tomatoes as John Dumelo Unveils Plan to Reduce Imports
Ghana is setting an ambitious course toward agricultural self-reliance, targeting between 200,000 and 300,000 metric tonnes of tomato production within the next two to three years, particularly during the dry season. The initiative forms part of a strategic effort to reduce imports and strengthen food security nationwide.
According to Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, the government is implementing a comprehensive plan that includes irrigation expansion, scientific research, and direct support to farmers to scale up tomato production across the country.
Speaking on Joy FM Super Morning Show, Mr Dumelo revealed that Ghana’s annual tomato demand currently stands at nearly 800,000 metric tonnes, highlighting the urgent need to increase domestic supply.
He explained that ongoing interventions are expected to boost production significantly within a short period, especially during the dry season when local supply typically declines.
Over the years, Ghana has made several attempts to achieve self-sufficiency in tomato production. The government is now intensifying these efforts through targeted trials involving improved tomato varieties and modern irrigation techniques aimed at commercial-scale production.
Across the country, several irrigation facilities are currently conducting experimental cultivation projects to identify the most productive and resilient tomato varieties. These trials are expected to guide large-scale commercialisation and ensure sustainable output.
Mr Dumelo announced plans to personally inspect a number of these irrigation schemes to evaluate progress and monitor implementation. Harvesting activities, he noted, have already begun in some locations.
Key trial sites include facilities in the Ashanti Region, particularly at the Komadan irrigation scheme, as well as projects at Tono Dam in northern Ghana under the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP). Additional tomato production initiatives are also underway in Garu and other farming communities.
Beyond irrigation development, the government is providing direct assistance to farmers to enhance productivity. Selected farmers are receiving solar-powered boreholes to ensure reliable water supply, while farmer groups across the country have been supported with water pumps and other essential agricultural equipment.
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The Deputy Minister also disclosed that he recently engaged vegetable farmers in the Eastern Region, assuring them of continued government support to strengthen dry season farming and expand production capacity.
Despite the projected increase in output, Mr Dumelo acknowledged that achieving full self-sufficiency in tomato production will take time. He emphasised that agricultural transformation requires sustained investment in research, development, and field trials before long-term results can be realised.
He compared the tomato initiative to the government’s poultry development strategy, which similarly aims to reduce import dependence through gradual but consistent growth in domestic production.
Nonetheless, Mr Dumelo expressed strong optimism about the long-term outlook. With continued research, innovation, and support for farmers, he projected that Ghana could eventually eliminate tomato imports from neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, within the next five to six years.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader commitment to strengthening local agriculture, empowering farmers, and enhancing national food security through sustainable production systems.
