Accra: Tomato farmers in Ada, especially those in the Koluedor farming enclave within the Ada West District, have been urged to bolster security around their farms. This call to action comes in response to increasing reports of tomato thefts coinciding with favorable market prices.
According to Ghana News Agency, local observers have noted that suspected thieves have been frequenting the farms during the early morning and late-night hours. Using torchlights, these individuals identify and harvest ripe tomatoes, which they later sell. This surge in thefts has become a major concern for farmers who are already grappling with production losses due to persistent heavy rainfall affecting tomato cultivation in parts of the region.
Mr. Daniel Kitcher, a tomato farmer from Koluedor, expressed the readiness of farmers to implement additional measures to safeguard their farms and produce. He described the thefts as an added challenge to their livelihoods, emphasizing that farmers invest substantial resources, time, and labor into cultivating their crops and cannot afford to see their produce taken by those looking to profit from their efforts.
Mr. Kitcher called for increased community vigilance and collaboration among farmers in order to protect the farms and prevent further thefts. He urged residents in the farming communities to report any suspicious activities around tomato farms, particularly during the night and early morning hours, to assembly members, farmer welfare committees, community leaders, or the nearest police station.
Farmers believe that stronger community vigilance and the prompt reporting of suspicious activities are crucial to protecting their investments and ensuring the continued success of tomato production in the area.