Thursday, 18 December

Trade Minister engages tomato growers and traders to resolve value chain challenges

News
Minister in a photo tomatoes value chain association members after the meeting

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has met with the Federation of Tomato Growers Associations and the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association to address persistent challenges disrupting Ghana’s tomato value chain and to restore stability within the industry.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the Ministry’s conference room, provided a platform for the Associations to present longstanding concerns affecting tomato production, transportation, and marketing across the country.

Key issues raised included pricing disputes, transportation bottlenecks, post-harvest losses, and limited market access, all of which stakeholders say have contributed to the current impasse in tomato distribution nationwide.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to develop sustainable, inclusive solutions that protect livelihoods, promote fair trade practices, and strengthen domestic agribusiness.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration among producers, traders, and transporters as a foundation for rebuilding confidence and efficiency within the tomato industry.

The Minister noted that improved coordination and a more resilient value chain would reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported tomatoes from neighbouring countries, thereby boosting local production and retaining value within the domestic economy.

She also highlighted the strategic importance of the tomato industry to food security, employment, and agro-industrial development, assuring stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to engage them as practical interventions are designed and implemented.

Representatives of the tomato growers, traders, and transporters welcomed the engagement and expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to concrete measures to improve the tomato trade and transport system, particularly in Tuobodom in the Techiman North District, a major hub for tomato production and distribution.

 

The meeting marks a renewed effort by the Ministry to stabilise the tomato sector and position it as a viable and competitive component of Ghana’s agribusiness value chain.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah