Ghana to launch tomato self-sufficiency initiative in Anloga

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, collaborating with FarmMate LTD, is set to unveil the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI) on Tuesday, September 15, at Anlo Senior High School Park in Anloga, located in the Volta Region. The inauguration, which begins at 10:00 a.m., will be presided over by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku.

According to the Ministry, GHATSI is an alliance between the government and private sector entities, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in tomatoes across Ghana. Presently, the nation spends more than USD 400 million each year importing fresh tomatoes and paste, a situation largely attributed to the off-season deficit that occurs from December to July.

GHATSI aims to transform this scenario by establishing a comprehensive, continuous domestic value chain. The initiative plans to achieve this by connecting farmers and land to production improvements, financial resources, multi-peril crop insurance, aggregation, industrial processing, and assured market access. This will not only aim to eliminate import dependency, ensure a consistent supply throughout the year, and enhance farmers' incomes via contract farming, but also generate sustainable employment opportunities for the youth throughout the value chain.

Furthermore, GHATSI intends to curb post-harvest losses and mitigate risks arising from climatic and pest disturbances. The comprehensive rollout targets a national production of 400,000 tonnes annually. The initial phase, during the 2026/2027 production cycle, aims to supply roughly 100,000 tonnes, covering over 10,000 acres in 40 districts, 12 regions, and more than 100 communities.

The Farmer Enhancement Package offers participating growers access to financed agro-inputs, irrigation support, extension and technical services, multi-peril crop insurance, with repayment settled at off-take. The launch signifies a substantial stride towards bolstering Ghana's self-reliance in tomato production and lessening the nation's heavy dependence on imports.

It is anticipated that the event will convene government officials, regional authorities, traditional leaders, farmers, financial institutions, insurers, technical partners, and the media.