The government has announced plans to construct a 60-hectare irrigation facility to boost tomato production in the country, aiming to enable year-round tomato cultivation and address post-harvest losses in the sector.

This comes after an acute shortage of tomato supply on Ghanaian markets, following Burkina Faso’s temporary ban on the export of fresh tomatoes on March 19.

Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 4, President Mahama indicated that his government is set to intentionally invest in the industry’s irrigation facilities, garnering both internal and local aid to strengthen agribusiness nationwide.

He said the move also forms part of Mahama’s broader agenda to make agriculture and agribusiness central to Ghana’s development strategy.

“We are going to select specific areas where the government is going to intentionally mobilise investment. We will intentionally invest with both local and regional partners to ensure year-round tomato cultivation, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen agribusiness as a pillar of our development agenda.”

When did Burkina lift the ban?

The ban, which was announced to be in effect until further notice, was lifted about two weeks later, following the Ghanaian government’s bilateral talks with the Burkina government, given the country’s heavy dependence on the military-led state’s tomato produce.

Ghana imports about 75,000 tonnes annually, valued at roughly GH¢400 million, particularly during dry seasons.

On April 2, in a press release issued on Thursday, April 2, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said it had “taken note of the decision by the Government of Burkina Faso to lift the suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes.”

“The Government of Ghana has taken note of the decision by the Government of Burkina Faso to lift the suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes,” the statement reiterated.

Other govt measures to boost tomato production

In March, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, assured Ghanaians that the government has stepped up measures to boost yields, cut post-harvest losses, and expand irrigation-backed production to stabilise supply.

Among the measures are the drilling of over 200 boreholes across the Northern Region, securing more land for tomato cultivation, and improving irrigation systems, as well as introducing improved tomato seeds for better yields.

“Collaboration with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement will deliver improved tomato seeds capable of raising yields to at least 15 metric tonnes per hectare within months. In addition, the government is expanding irrigation under the Vegetable Development Project, including cluster farming in Ahafo and Fanteakwa, drilling 250 boreholes across the northern regions, and securing hundreds of hectares under existing irrigation systems for immediate tomato cultivation,” he indicated.

He continued, “We have been importing tomatoes from Burkina Faso to supplement local production… a clear indication that if we don’t put in place the right mechanisms to increase production, we are likely to run into challenges,” Mr Opoku noted.

Ghana’s annual tomato demand stands at about 805,000 metric tonnes, while current production is estimated at 510,000 metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of nearly 300,000 metric tonnes.

One of the major concerns raised by the Minister was a long-standing trend of post-harvest losses, citing the loss of about 30 percent of local production—approximately 153,000 metric tonnes.

Reducing the losses could significantly close the supply gap, he said, adding that:

“It is not about increasing the size of the land under cultivation. It is about developing the right variety and creating the conditions to maximise output.”

Under the Vegetable Development Project, Mr Opoku said farmers were being supported with improved seeds, fertilisers, and technical guidance, alongside irrigation infrastructure to ensure year-round production.

The Vegetable Development Project (VDP) is Ghana’s flagship agricultural initiative, launched in November 2025 in Kukuom, Ahafo Region, aimed at boosting local vegetable production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs. It focuses on tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other key vegetables, with strong government support for farmers.

He noted that 60 hectares each had been developed in Ahafo and Fanteakwa with mechanisation and water supply systems, while additional sites were being prepared for expansion.

A rehabilitated irrigation scheme had made 500 hectares available for immediate tomato production after agreements were reached to connect farmers with buyers to guarantee off-take, he added.

One hundred hectares had also been secured at Akumadan to further scale up production.

The Minister said ongoing interventions to improve productivity, reduce waste, and strengthen market systems would stabilise supply and enhance food security in the long term.