Ghana’s ongoing tomato shortage reflects long-standing policy gaps and heavy reliance on imports, particularly from Burkina Faso, according to Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness.
Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, March 21, Dr. Otokunor criticised past agricultural policies, noting that several interventions failed to transform the sector as intended.
“The tomato problem clearly reflects shortcomings in government investment and implementation,” he said, describing the situation as a symptom of deeper systemic issues.
Dr. Otokunor explained that Ghana imports up to 75 per cent of its tomato supply during the dry season, with the majority coming from Burkina Faso between December and May. This heavy reliance, he added, leaves the country vulnerable to external shocks.
He highlighted recent export restrictions by Burkina Faso—aimed at expanding local processing and adding value to their produce—as a key factor further straining Ghana’s supply. While acknowledging the legitimacy of Burkina Faso’s policies, he stressed the need for a strategic response from Ghana.
“It is understandable from their standpoint, but it is equally important for us to engage them constructively while addressing our own production challenges,” he said.
Dr. Otokunor also pointed to unfinished agricultural initiatives launched before 2016, suggesting that their completion could have significantly strengthened domestic tomato production.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, he remained optimistic about Ghana’s long-term prospects. With targeted investments and a focus on value addition, he said, the country could become highly competitive in tomato production on the global stage.