Director of the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agri-business, Dr Peter Otokunor, has indicated that Ghana has already begun taking concrete steps to strengthen local tomato production, even before recent developments affecting regional supply.

He explained that ongoing investment efforts are aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imports, particularly in light of disruptions such as Burkina Faso’s decision to halt tomato exports.

According to him, these measures form part of a broader strategy to ensure food security and stabilise supply.

Dr Otokunor revealed that the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority has been tasked with assessing existing irrigation schemes nationwide to identify areas capable of supporting large-scale cultivation.

He noted that authorities are targeting approximately 70,000 hectares of land to significantly boost tomato production.

He further highlighted the government’s FEED Ghana Programme as a key intervention designed to drive agricultural growth.

The initiative focuses on supporting farmers and young people, improving food availability, and supplying raw materials for agro-processing industries to enhance exports and job creation.

Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, March 21, Dr Otokunor emphasised that tomatoes, alongside onions and peppers, have been prioritised under the programme.

“If you look at the FEED Ghana policy, tomato, onion and pepper are the flagship focus for increased domestic production. There are clear investment commitments already underway,” he stated.