FABAG Issues Ultimatum Over Tomato Crisis

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has issued a strong ultimatum to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, calling for immediate intervention to resolve the country’s tomato supply crisis or risk losing its relevance.

In a statement released on Monday, FABAG questioned the Ministry’s effectiveness, arguing that there is little justification for its existence if Ghana cannot produce tomatoes within a 60 to 90-day period.

The Association expressed its strongest concern and disappointment over the crisis, which has been worsened by Burkina Faso’s ban on tomato exports.

According to FABAG, the situation has exposed dangerous weaknesses, poor planning, and policy failures within Ghana’s agricultural sector.

It described as unacceptable Ghana’s continued dependence on external sources for a basic food commodity, despite the country’s vast agricultural potential.

“It is completely unacceptable that a country with vast agricultural land, irrigation dams, agricultural colleges, research institutions, extension officers, and a full Ministry of Food and Agriculture cannot produce enough tomatoes to feed its own population,” the statement said.

FABAG stressed that tomatoes are a short-cycle crop that can be harvested within two to three months under the right conditions, adding that with irrigation and improved seed varieties, harvesting can begin within 60 to 90 days after planting.

“It is an agricultural fact, not a theory, that tomatoes can be produced within two to three months,” the Association noted.

The Association stressed that any suggestion that Ghana cannot swiftly address the shortage reflects a failure in leadership and planning.

“Any claim that Ghana cannot solve tomato shortages quickly is simply an admission of policy, planning, and leadership failure,” the statement added.

FABAG maintained that the country possesses all the necessary resources, including fertile land, irrigation infrastructure, a ready workforce, research institutions, and access to agricultural inputs and mechanisation.

“If, despite these resources, Ghana still cannot produce enough tomatoes to feed its people, then the challenge is not with farmers, land, or climate, but with leadership and policy direction,” it stated.

The Association further warned that over-reliance on imports for essential food items poses a significant national security risk.

“Dependence on another country for a basic food item like tomatoes is not just an agricultural issue, but a national security concern,” it cautioned.

FABAG is therefore calling for immediate emergency measures, including the implementation of a national tomato programme, rapid distribution of improved seeds, subsidised inputs, activation of irrigation systems, youth mobilisation, and enhanced support for processing and storage.

It also urged the government to prioritise achieving tomato self-sufficiency within one year.

Reinforcing its stance, the Association emphasised the urgency of the situation.

“The time has come for Ghana to move from policy speeches to tangible food production results,” the statement said.

FABAG concluded with a firm warning to the Ministry.

“If within two to three months the Ministry cannot organise tomato production under irrigation across the country, then government must seriously consider restructuring the Ministry into a production-focused agricultural authority with clear targets and accountability,” it said.