Ghana ramps up tomato production with 250 Borehole project

The government has begun constructing 250 boreholes across the five northern regions as part of efforts to expand irrigation for vegetable farming, with a strong focus on tomato production.

The initiative is aimed at addressing supply shortfalls and boosting local production, as Ghana works to reduce its dependence on tomato imports.

Tomato yields in the country remain relatively low, averaging about 8 metric tonnes per hectare—well below their full potential. Experts believe that improved access to reliable irrigation will play a key role in increasing productivity and stabilising supply.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku said the intervention is part of an urgent response to recent developments in the sub-region, particularly Burkina Faso’s decision to suspend tomato exports to Ghana.

Burkina Faso has traditionally been a major supplier of tomatoes to the Ghanaian market.

Mr Opoku explained that the borehole project is designed to support vegetable cultivation in the northern regions. He noted that discussions have also been held with managers of the Tono Irrigation Scheme to scale up tomato production.

According to the Minister, the scheme has been fully rehabilitated and now provides access to about 2,400 hectares of farmland.

He added that although many farmers had shifted to rice cultivation due to challenges in marketing tomatoes, recent engagements have led to an agreement to immediately allocate 500 hectares of land under the scheme for tomato farming.

The government believes these measures will help close the supply gap and strengthen the country’s food security.