Ada tomato farmers demand probe into dying seedlings

Tomato farmers in the Ada East and West districts of the Greater Accra Region are calling for a government investigation following the widespread death of transplanted seedlings. The loss of crops has raised significant concerns regarding the 2026 farming season, as investments in seeds, labor, and farm inputs are being wiped out.

Farmers have appealed to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to assemble a technical team including crop scientists, plant pathologists, and certified seed inspectors. The goal of this investigation is to assess the affected farms, determine the cause of the deaths, and trace the quality and source of the seed batches used.

Local geographer Bernard Mawutor Ametepe, representing the affected communities, noted that farmers followed recommended agronomic practices, suggesting the issue may lie with seed viability or quality. The crisis affects both smallholder and commercial farmers in communities such as Kasseh, Koluedor, Tehey, Luhour, and Dorgobom. The financial impact is expected to be severe, particularly for farmers who secured loans through rural banks and microfinance institutions to fund their operations.