Tomato prices soar as traders push for urgent boost in local production
Government is facing mounting pressure to accelerate efforts towards tomato self-sufficiency, as traders at Agbogbloshie Market in Accra grapple with rising costs that are dampening consumer demand. The situation has been worsened by Burkina Faso's ban on tomato exports, which has disrupted supply chains and triggered sharp price increases across major markets in Ghana.
Retailers report that the price of a crate of tomatoes has risen significantly in recent weeks, in some cases more than doubling. Patience Nyarko, a trader, described the trend as unusual, saying "At this time of the year, prices are not expected to rise this much. Tomatoes used to sell between GH¢18 and GH¢22, but now they are going for GH¢32, GH¢38, and even GH¢40," attributing the increase largely to the supply gap created by the export restriction. Another trader, Ama Agyeiwaa, who has spent more than two decades in the business, said the situation is placing considerable strain on market women whose livelihoods depend on tomato sales.
Ama Agyeiwaa called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to adopt a more proactive approach by studying Burkina Faso's irrigation systems to strengthen local production, particularly during the dry season.
Quick Summary
Tomato traders in Accra are facing challenges due to rising costs and supply disruptions - a situation impacting both retailers and consumers. Calls are growing for government intervention to boost local tomato production, but what solutions will be proposed?
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