Ghana to launch tomato self-sufficiency initiative in Anloga

The Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI), a collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and FarmMate LTD, is set to officially launch on September 15 at Anlo Senior High School Park in Anloga, Volta Region. The event will be presided over by Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku.

GHATSI aims to bring Ghana towards reliable tomato self-sufficiency through an integrated, year-round domestic value chain. Despite the country's favorable conditions, Ghana currently spends over $400 million annually importing fresh tomatoes and paste, primarily due to the December-to-July off-season deficit.

The initiative seeks to eradicate import dependency, ensure a consistent supply throughout the year, increase and secure farmer incomes via contract farming, generate sustainable youth employment, mitigate losses from post-harvest, and lessen the impact of climate and pest shocks. By the end of the rollout, the national tomato production is projected to reach 400,000 tonnes, with the inaugural phase in the 2026/2027 cycle targeting 100,000 tonnes.

Under the Farmer Enhancement Package, participating growers will obtain financed agro-inputs, irrigation assistance, extension and technical services, and multi-peril crop insurance, with repayments made directly upon off-take. This launch signifies a significant stride towards bolstering Ghana's domestic tomato production and lessening the nation's heavy dependence on imports.

The event is anticipated to bring together government officials, regional authorities, traditional leaders, farmers, financial institutions, insurers, technical partners, and the media.