Trade Minister engages tomato growers and traders to resolve industry challenges

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has held discussions with the Federation of Tomato Growers Associations and the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association to resolve challenges affecting the tomato value chain and restore stability to the sector.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, December 17, at the Ministry’s conference room, offered stakeholders the opportunity to present longstanding concerns that have disrupted tomato production, transportation and distribution across the country.

Among the key issues raised were pricing disagreements, transportation challenges, post-harvest losses and limited market access, factors that have collectively contributed to ongoing difficulties in the nationwide supply of tomatoes.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare assured the associations of the government’s commitment to working closely with industry players to develop sustainable solutions that safeguard livelihoods, promote fair trading practices and strengthen Ghana’s agribusiness sector.

She stressed the importance of collaboration among farmers, traders and transporters, noting that improved coordination within the value chain would help boost local production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported tomatoes from neighbouring countries.

Representatives of the associations welcomed the minister’s engagement and expressed confidence that the dialogue would lead to practical interventions to improve tomato trade and transportation, particularly in Tuobodom in the Techiman North District.