Ghana launches GHATSI to boost tomato production

The Ghanaian government has launched the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI) to reduce the nation's reliance on imported tomatoes and address a domestic supply deficit of approximately 300,000 tonnes during off-season months.

Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku announced the initiative, which aims to produce 100,000 metric tonnes during the 2026/2027 production cycle. The program will be implemented across 10,000 acres spanning 40 districts in 12 regions.

To support farmers, the initiative provides GH₵20,000 per acre in financing through Pan-African Savings and Loans, a member of the Ecobank Group. This funding covers land preparation, soil testing, technical assistance, and insurance. Repayment is structured through off-take arrangements, where farmers settle credit using proceeds from their harvests. FarmMate Ltd is serving as the private-sector implementation partner and committed buyer, connecting producers to fresh markets.