Tema Tomato Traders call for enhanced Farmer training to boost local production

By Prince Antwi June 18, 2026

Tomato traders at Tema Central Market have appealed to the government and key agricultural stakeholders to strengthen farmer training programmes as part of efforts to increase local tomato production and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madam Ayeele Adjei, a tomato trader, stressed the need for farmers to receive training in modern agricultural practices, including seed selection, nursery management, pest and disease control, irrigation techniques, and post-harvest handling.

According to her, equipping farmers with improved cultivation skills would help increase yields, minimise losses, and contribute significantly to national food security.

She further urged agricultural authorities to encourage the cultivation of tomato varieties that are well adapted to local climatic conditions and capable of withstanding transportation and storage challenges.

Madam Adjei noted that continuous training and technical support would enable farmers to improve productivity throughout the year, particularly during the dry season when tomato production and supply often decline.

She also highlighted the importance of adopting better packaging, grading, and handling practices to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of tomatoes reaching urban markets.

Another trader, Madam Mary Amoako, attributed the current high cost of tomatoes partly to disruptions in supplies from Burkina Faso, a major source of imported tomatoes for Ghana during periods of low domestic production.

She explained that insecurity and logistical difficulties in the neighbouring country have affected the flow of tomatoes into Ghana, contributing to rising prices on the local market.

Madam Doris Adama also expressed concern about the impact of increasing tomato prices on consumers, noting that many buyers are struggling to cope with the cost.

She observed that consumers now spend between GH¢10 and GH¢20 to purchase only a few tomatoes, depending on their size and quality.

The traders therefore called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders to intensify support for local tomato farmers through training, technical assistance, and improved production systems to ensure a steady and affordable supply of tomatoes throughout the year.

They believe that strengthening local production will not only stabilise prices but also reduce Ghana’s reliance on imports and improve food security nationwide.