On 15th September 2025, President John Mahama ordered the purchase of 1,000 boxes of tomatoes from struggling farmers to feed Senior High School (SHS) students. This swift intervention came after farmers raised alarm that their produce had no buyers, threatening to leave tons of tomatoes rotting in the sun. For the farmers, this move was a sigh of relief; for the nation, it raised a pressing question—how can we prevent such crises from repeating?
The tomato glut is not an isolated occurrence. Across Ghana, many farmers face the painful irony of producing in abundance only to watch their crops go to waste. From tomatoes in the north to plantain in the forest zones and yam in the savannah, gluts are a recurring theme. While these seasonal surpluses reveal the resilience and potential of Ghanaian farmers, they also expose the weakness of our agricultural systems.
At the heart of the matter is a structural problem: production often outpaces the market’s ability to absorb, distribute, and store food. Our systems are designed for short-term trade at open markets rather than long-term food security. Without adequate processing facilities, storage infrastructure, or guaranteed market linkages, the story is the same every year—farmers lose, consumers suffer from fluctuating prices, and the country spends millions importing what it already grows.
President Mahama’s directive is therefore commendable, not only because it provided immediate relief, but because it sets an example of how the government can directly support farmers while meeting public needs. However, such one-off interventions are not enough. Ghana must build deliberate and lasting mechanisms that convert gluts into opportunities.
What Must Be Done
- Agro-Processing as a National Priority
Tomatoes are perishable, with a shelf life of only a few days if unprocessed. Establishing tomato processing plants across farming regions will convert excess produce into paste, puree, ketchup, or juice. These products have longer shelf lives and can supply both the local market and export chains. Such industries would reduce imports of tomato paste, create jobs, and boost local economies. - A Strong Buffer Stock System
The government should not wait for gluts to occur before buying produce. A national buffer stock system that operates year-round can stabilize prices, guarantee farmers a ready market, and ensure that schools, hospitals, and prisons always have access to fresh produce. This system, if managed transparently, would cushion farmers against losses while improving food supply for vulnerable groups. - Storage and Cold Chain Investments
Modern cold rooms, warehouses, and transportation networks are crucial. Tomatoes can be preserved for weeks under the right conditions, yet many farmers lack even the most basic storage facilities. Investment in cold chain systems will prevent waste, regulate supply, and make fresh tomatoes available in off-seasons, reducing price shocks. - Empowered Farmer Cooperatives
Individual farmers often struggle to access markets or bargain for fair prices. Strong farmer cooperatives can pool resources, build community-owned storage facilities, and negotiate better with buyers. Cooperatives also allow for shared knowledge, coordinated planting to reduce overproduction, and collective advocacy for fair policies. - Research and Extension Services
Agricultural research must focus on developing tomato varieties that are not only high-yielding but also durable and less perishable. At the same time, extension officers should work closely with farmers to guide them on best practices in planting cycles, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Science and innovation must be at the heart of agriculture. - Digital Market Platforms
In today’s world, farmers should not rely solely on middlemen who exploit them. With mobile applications and digital platforms, farmers can connect directly to institutional buyers, supermarkets, and exporters. Real-time demand forecasting would also help farmers know what quantities are needed where, reducing random overproduction.
Beyond the Tomatoes
The glut we see today is not just about tomatoes—it is about food security. Food security means more than producing enough food; it means ensuring food is available, affordable, and accessible to every Ghanaian throughout the year. If tomatoes can rot in the fields of the Upper East while prices skyrocket in Accra markets a few months later, then clearly the problem is not production but distribution and preservation.
The decision by President Mahama is a reminder that leadership can make a difference in the lives of farmers when it acts swiftly. But the real test is whether Ghana will rise beyond short-term interventions to build a system that guarantees both farmer welfare and consumer stability.
If we harness the lessons of the tomato glut, Ghana can transform its agricultural sector from a cycle of waste and despair into one of abundance and prosperity. Farmers will no longer fear bumper harvests; consumers will no longer dread shortages and high prices; and the nation will no longer spend foreign exchange importing what it can grow.
The tomatoes that nearly went to waste this September could be the spark that ignites a new era of agricultural transformation. The challenge is clear: will we seize this opportunity to secure our food future?
