Burkina faso: The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) has renewed calls to strengthen tomato production in Ghana following a deadly terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of seven Ghanaian traders. The association emphasizes the dangers faced by traders who travel outside the country to source tomatoes for the local market.
According to Ghana Web, VEPEAG believes that by boosting domestic production, Ghana can reduce its reliance on imports and protect the lives and livelihoods of its traders. In a statement issued and signed by its President, Dr. Felix Kamassah, the association urged the government to prioritize the upgrade and expansion of irrigation facilities across the country.
VEPEAG highlights that improved irrigation systems are key to ensuring year-round cultivation and surplus production to meet national demand. The group expressed confidence in Ghana's capacity to grow its own tomatoes on a large scale. "We strongly believe that the resources and expertise required for the production of high-quality tomatoes are found here in Ghana," the statement added.
VEPEAG maintains that with the right investment and policy support, Ghana can build a safer, more reliable tomato supply chain while creating jobs and strengthening food security.