The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has expressed sorrow over the killing of Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso, calling it a human tragedy and warning of growing food security risks.
In a statement issued in Accra, Mr Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, National President of PFAG, noted that Ghana relies heavily on tomatoes imported from Burkina Faso, with more than 90 per cent of imports coming from the neighbouring country.
He stated that in 2024 alone, Ghana reportedly spent over 22.3 million dollars on tomato imports, ranking the country as the 43rd largest importer globally.
According to the Association, Ghana’s annual national demand for tomatoes is estimated at about 800,000 metric tonnes, while local production ranges between 370,000 and 420,000 metric tonnes, leaving a significant shortfall filled through imports.
PFAG warned that the killings were likely to disrupt supply chains and trigger sharp increases in tomato prices, pushing a basic food commodity beyond the reach of many households.
The Association described the situation as not merely a supply challenge but also an issue of national security and economic sovereignty.
The statement attributed the production gap to systemic challenges, including over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture due to inadequate irrigation infrastructure, low yields averaging 7.5 metric tonnes per hectare compared to a potential 20 metric tonnes, and high input costs.
It also cited post-harvest losses of between 30 and 50 per cent, caused by poor storage facilities, weak road networks and limited processing capacity.
PFAG cautioned that without urgent and decisive action, farmers would remain trapped in low productivity, inflation would persist, and the country’s food import bill would continue to rise.
The Association called on the government to treat the matter as a national emergency and prioritise irrigation development, including completion of the “Irrigation for Wealth Programme” and construction of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam.
It further urged the development of strategic agricultural enclaves for commercial vegetable production, reduction in farm input costs, and increased investment in research to develop improved seed varieties.
PFAG appealed for a national strategy to reduce post-harvest losses through the recruitment of more extension officers, upgrading feeder roads, establishment of storage and cold chain facilities, and rehabilitation of tomato processing factories.
The Association also drew attention to the plight of grain and tuber farmers facing heavy losses due to recent market gluts, noting that farmer morale was low and immediate government intervention was needed through direct purchases and strategic storage.
PFAG expressed confidence that with well-funded and coordinated interventions, Ghana could significantly reduce vegetable imports by 2030 and achieve full tomato self-sufficiency.
Source: Access Agric
