The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has assured Ghanaians that the government is implementing strategic measures to ensure a steady and abundant supply of tomatoes across the country, reducing the need for traders to travel to neighboring countries to purchase the commodity.

The minister gave the assurance in the wake of the tragic incident in Burkina Faso, where several Ghanaian tomato traders reportedly lost their lives while on a business trip to procure tomatoes. The unfortunate development has reignited concerns over Ghana’s dependence on imports from neighboring countries to meet local tomato demand.

Appearing before Parliament’s Assurances Committee, Eric Opoku stated that the government is committed to transforming the country’s tomato production through targeted interventions aimed at increasing local output.

According to him, within the next three to four months, Ghanaians should begin to witness a significant increase in tomato production, making the commodity readily available on local markets. He expressed confidence that the anticipated surplus would not only satisfy domestic demand but also position Ghana to export tomatoes to neighboring countries.

“The government is putting the necessary measures in place to boost tomato production. In the next three to four months, we expect to have enough tomatoes to meet local demand, and we are optimistic that Ghana will even have surplus produce for export,” the Minister indicated.

Opoku explained that the ministry is working closely with farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain by improving access to quality seeds, expanding irrigation, providing extension services, and promoting modern farming practices to enhance productivity.

He stressed that achieving self-sufficiency in tomato production would help stabilize prices, improve farmers’ incomes, strengthen food security, and reduce the risks traders face when traveling outside Ghana in search of the commodity.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalizing the agriculture sector as part of broader efforts to reduce food imports, create jobs, and build a resilient local food production system.

His assurance comes as many Ghanaians continue to call for sustainable solutions to recurring tomato shortages and price hikes, especially following the tragic deaths of Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso. Many expect the government’s interventions to provide long-term relief to consumers and traders while strengthening Ghana’s agricultural economy.