The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana is calling on the government to roll out an urgent emergency response plan to prevent a possible tomato shortage, as negotiations continue between Ghana and Burkina Faso over a temporary export ban.
Speaking at a World Bank Civil Society Organisation Engagement in Accra on Tuesday, March 24, President of the association, Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, warned that a breakdown in talks could lead to sharp price increases, supply shortages, and added pressure on local producers.
“Within this period, the government should quickly set up an emergency strategic response plan with stakeholders to address the looming shortage of tomatoes, in case engagements with Burkina Faso prove futile,” he said.
He proposed a multi-phase strategy, urging authorities to expand access to irrigable land, support more farmers, and improve market systems through better storage facilities, cold chain infrastructure, and stronger coordination among traders and transporters.
He further called for major investment in irrigation, including the construction of at least one large dam in every region to boost year-round farming.
“We should aim at increasing our percentage of irrigable land from the current 10% to over 50% by 2028,” he added.
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