The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has launched the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI) aimed at increasing domestic tomato production, reduce dependence on imports and strengthen Ghana’s food security as part of the Feed Ghana Initiative.

The national launch, held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Anloga Senior High School (ANSECO) Park in the Volta Region, brought together the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, and his Deputy, Hon. John Dumelo, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, traditional leaders, farmers, community representatives and private-sector partners.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Food and Agriculture said GHATSI was designed to transform Ghana’s tomato value chain, with a national production target of 400,000 tonnes annually.

“Ghana has the land, the farmers and the potential to produce the tomatoes we consume. Our task remains  providing  the conditions that will enable local production to meet demand and reduce our dependence on imports,” he said.

The Minister explained that GHATSI would go beyond increasing production to address post-harvest losses, storage, processing and market access, ensuring that farmers have reliable markets and improved returns.

The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, described the initiative as timely and highlighted the potential of Anloga, Keta, Akatsi North and Agotime Ziope for tomato production. He noted that interventions under the Feed Ghana Programme, including Farmer Service Centres and irrigation development, would complement efforts to expand production.

As part of the initiative, FarmMate Africa, presented its integrated approach to tomato production, processing, logistics, financing and market access.

The CEO of FarmMate Africa, Mr. Sena Amevor announced that the company currently operates in 80 communities, with plans to expand to 130 communities across 40 districts. It has about 4,000 acres under management, with a target of reaching 10,000 acres by the end of 2027.

He also announced that its Legon Enclave processing facility would commence operations in September 2026, with a processing capacity of 1.5 to 5 tonnes per hour. Plans are also underway to establish 20 additional semi-processing facilities in selected tomato-producing areas.

Mr. Sena emphasised the need to combine farmers’ experience with science, technology, data and market intelligence to improve production and reduce risks across the value chain.

Traditional leaders at the launch pledged their support for GHATSI, including making suitable land available and mobilising communities to participate in tomato production.

The initiative is expected to contribute to increased domestic tomato production, reduced post-harvest losses, improved farmer incomes and greater local value addition as Ghana works towards tomato self-sufficiency and increased export opportunities.

The choice of Anloga for the national launch reflects the area's importance as a major commercial tomato-producing community and the Government’s commitment to supporting local agricultural production.