By Daniel Bampoe
Concerns over the growing dependence on imported tomatoes have resurfaced in Parliament, with the Member of Parliament for Offinso North, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, calling for urgent investment in irrigation infrastructure to boost year-round local production.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Dr. Asamoah drew attention to the Akomadan irrigation scheme in the Ashanti Region, describing it as a critical national asset that must be strengthened to support all-season tomato farming and reduce the country’s vulnerability to external supply shocks.
His call comes in the wake of recent developments in Burkina Faso, where restrictions on tomato exports have highlighted the heavy reliance on imports to meet local demand.
The situation, he warned, underscores broader food security risks and the urgent need for Ghana to build a more resilient agricultural system.
Ghana has long struggled with seasonal shortages in tomato production, despite areas like Offinso and Akomadan being recognized as key tomato-growing hubs.
During peak dry seasons, production drops significantly due to limited irrigation capacity, forcing the country to depend on imports from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso.
Dr. Asamoah argued that this cycle can only be broken through sustained investment in irrigation-driven agriculture, which would enable farmers to produce consistently throughout the year rather than relying solely on rainfall.
He emphasized that expanding and modernizing the Akomadan irrigation scheme would not only increase output but also improve livelihoods for farmers and stabilize market prices.
According to him, irrigation remains one of the most effective ways to transform agriculture from a seasonal activity into a reliable economic driver.
The Offinso North legislator further proposed the adoption of modern farming technologies, particularly drip irrigation systems, to enhance water efficiency and maximize yields.
He also stressed the importance of rehabilitating existing irrigation infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
Beyond irrigation, Dr. Asamoah highlighted the need for comprehensive support systems for farmers, including access to inputs, technical training, and improved road networks to facilitate the transportation of produce from farms to markets.
He noted that poor feeder roads continue to hinder farmers’ ability to get their produce to market on time, leading to post-harvest losses and reduced incomes.
The MP maintained that strengthening the Akomadan irrigation scheme must form part of a broader national strategy aimed at achieving food security, reducing import dependency, and promoting agricultural industrialization.
His remarks add to growing calls for government to prioritize irrigation and infrastructure development in agriculture, particularly as climate variability and regional trade uncertainties continue to impact food supply chains.
