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The Government of has begun constructing 250 boreholes across the five northern regions to expand irrigation and increase vegetable production, particularly tomatoes.
The initiative is aimed at addressing supply shortages and reducing the country’s dependence on imports, especially following recent disruptions in regional trade.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, , announced the intervention at a press briefing in Accra, describing it as part of an urgent response to the tomato supply gap.
The move follows a decision by to halt tomato exports to Ghana, a development that has exposed vulnerabilities in domestic production.
Currently, Ghana’s tomato yields average about 8 metric tonnes per hectare—far below their potential. Officials believe improved irrigation through the borehole project will significantly boost productivity and stabilise supply.
As part of the broader strategy, the government has also engaged managers of the , which has been fully rehabilitated and now offers about 2,400 hectares of irrigable land.
According to the Minister, at least 500 hectares under the scheme have been earmarked for immediate tomato cultivation.
He explained that many farmers had previously shifted from tomato production to rice farming due to poor market access, but renewed government engagement has encouraged a return to tomato cultivation.
The initiative is expected to strengthen food security, support farmers, and stabilise tomato prices in local markets.
