Find lasting solutions to two-decade Tomato production challenges — NPP Communicator
His remarks follow a deadly terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso that reportedly claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian tomato traders who had travelled there to purchase supplies for the domestic market.
A member of the Communications Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Chiana-Paga Constituency, Alhassan Abongpaare Vincent, has called for urgent and sustained measures to address the longstanding challenges confronting tomato production in Ghana.
His remarks follow a deadly terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso that reportedly claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian tomato traders who had travelled there to purchase supplies for the domestic market.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, February 18, Abongpaare lamented what he described as decades of inaction by successive governments in resolving the country’s heavy dependence on imported tomatoes.
“There has not been the needed policy commitment from our political actors, both the NPP and the NDC, particularly in implementing sustainable policies that will benefit vegetable growers and all those within the value chain. These challenges have existed for over two decades,” he stated.
According to him, Ghanaian traders continue to cross into neighbouring countries for tomatoes largely because of improved varieties cultivated there and the relative reliability of supply.
He argued that with targeted investment, access to improved seedlings, irrigation support and guaranteed markets, local farmers could meet domestic demand and reduce the risks associated with cross-border trade.
“We have capable and hardworking young men and women engaged in vegetable production who only need the necessary support. Access to capital remains a major challenge, and government commitment has not been consistent,” he said.
Abongpaare urged government to create an enabling environment for tomato farmers by facilitating access to affordable financing, investing in agricultural infrastructure, and establishing ready markets for produce.
He stressed that strengthening local production would not only enhance food security but also protect Ghanaian traders from exposure to avoidable dangers beyond the country’s borders.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
