FSRP-FarmMate tomatoes hit Accra markets, traders praise juiciness and longevity

Ghana consumes an estimated 1.4 million tonnes of tomatoes annually, yet local production only accounts for about 34 percent, forcing traders to rely heavily on imports, especially from neighboring Burkina Faso.

Many locally produced tomatoes fail to meet quality standards, spoil quickly, and cannot last more than a few days in markets, leaving consumers with limited options.

This perennial shortage and inconsistent quality have long troubled market women and retailers across Accra. But the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), in partnership with FarmMate Ltd, is changing that narrative.

Following the successful first-round harvest, farmers under the FSRP-FarmMate collaboration produced an estimated 240 tonnes of tomatoes, harvested across several communities in the Upper East Region. The consignment arriving in Accra this week signals renewed confidence in efforts to address Ghana’s persistent tomato supply gaps, particularly during the dry season when prices typically spike due to shortages.

Over 240 tons of these freshly harvested tomatoes have reached both premium and mass-market outlets, including Palace Mall, Accra City Hotel, CMB Railway Market, and Agbogbloshie Market, bringing consistent, high-quality produce to consumers.

At Palace Mall, Bassam Taleb, Fresh Purchasing Officer, expressed satisfaction with the quality of tomatoes supplied by FSRP-FarmMate.

He highlighted the importance of consistency and safety in meeting customer expectations.

“These are the best tomatoes we’ve handled in Ghana. They’re free of chemicals, carefully sorted, juicy, and arrive fresh from trusted farms. The FSRP-FarmMate system ensures our customers get consistent quality every time.”

Opoku Agyemang Clinton, Sustainability and Compliance Officer at Accra City Hotel, highlighted the importance of supplier standards in the hospitality sector, indicating that sourcing safe and reliable raw materials is key to serving consumers.

“Food safety is our priority. The tomatoes passed all supplier audits, and our chefs confirm they are ripe, juicy, and wholesome. This level of quality helps us maintain high standards for our guests.”

For market women dealing directly with consumers, the difference is tangible. Hanna Owusu, a bulk tomato trader at Agbogbloshie Market, recalled the struggles before the program.

“Before, we often had to buy from Burkina Faso because our local tomatoes would spoil in two to three days. Now, these FSRP-FarmMate tomatoes last up to a week, and customers love them. It’s a game-changer for traders and consumers alike.”

At CMB Railway Market, another bulk trader, Naomi Atuahene, popularly known as Shatta-Mama, stressed the economic and practical benefits of the initiative.

“They are healthier, more affordable, and last longer than imported tomatoes. Investing in local production like this can reduce our dependence on imports and support Ghanaian farmers.”

The FSRP-FarmMate project spans 200 acres nationwide, with 110 acres in the Upper East Region, covering Zebila, Pwalugu, Tono Irrigation Scheme, and Navrongo. Around 100 farmers are involved, receiving high-quality seeds, fertilizers, organic manure, pesticides, and extension support from FSRP

FarmMate ensures close monitoring and immediate off-take, while strict quality control is enforced by FSRP and MOFA agencies.

From the farm, the produce is packed in solar-powered, temperature-regulated facilities and transported to markets within 24–36 hours, preserving freshness and extending shelf life. Current yields are around 10 tons per hectare, with expectations of 15 tons per hectare by the end of the 2025 dry season, targeting 6,000 metric tonnes by the end of the intervention.

By directly addressing Ghana’s long-standing tomato shortages, the FSRP-FarmMate initiative demonstrates how innovative, climate-smart agricultural practices can produce high-quality, durable tomatoes for local markets, benefiting traders, consumers, and farmers alike.

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