Ghana Institute of Horticulturists urges government action on tomato sector

The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH) has called on the government to formally engage with professionals to address long-standing issues within the nation’s tomato sector. During the institute’s 26th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Sunyani, President Dr. Mohammed Mujitaba Dawuda emphasized that despite the sector's critical role in the food system, the government has yet to provide necessary attention or formal engagement.

Key challenges identified include soil fertility, seed and variety selection, pests, diseases, root-knot nematodes, high temperatures, and irrigation difficulties. The sector also struggles with post-harvest losses and recurring cycles of tomato gluts and scarcity. Dr. Dawuda noted that a February 2026 terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, which targeted a truck of Ghanaian tomato traders, has increased national awareness of these vulnerabilities.

Prof. Elvis Asare Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, suggested that solutions must be interconnected. He proposed moving toward a value network model where farmers, researchers, processors, financiers, and the government continuously exchange technology, finance, and information to strengthen the sector.