MP Calls for Urgent Investment in Akomadan Irrigation Scheme to Boost Tomato Production.

The Member of Parliament for Offinso North, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, has made a passionate plea in Parliament for immediate investment in the Akomadan Irrigation Scheme, emphasizing its potential to address Ghana’s tomato shortage and food security challenges.

According to him, the scheme, which has been underutilized, can enable year-round tomato production, reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports, and create jobs for thousands of farmers and traders in the region.

Dr. Kyei Asamoah highlighted that Ghana produced only 468,000 metric tonnes of tomatoes in 2023, leaving a deficit of nearly 60% against a national demand of 1,265,000 metric tonnes.

He attributed the shortfall to seasonal farming patterns, post-harvest losses, and inadequate irrigation infrastructure.

The MP urged the government to accelerate the expansion of the irrigation scheme, promote modern irrigation technologies, and provide farmers with access to credit and inputs to boost production.

He emphasized that with the right investment, Offinso North can meet Ghana’s tomato demand year-round, stabilize prices, and eliminate reliance on cross-border sourcing.

Ghana’s tomato industry is crying out for attention. The country’s production levels are woefully inadequate, with a staggering 60% deficit in meeting national demand.

The Akomadan Irrigation Scheme in Offinso North holds the key to turning this situation around.

According to Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, MP for Offinso North, investing in the scheme can enable year-round production, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports.

The scheme has been underutilized, despite its potential to boost production and stabilize prices.

The MP is calling on the government to take urgent action, including expanding the irrigation scheme, promoting modern technologies, and providing farmers with access to credit and inputs.

With the right investment, Offinso North can become a major tomato hub, meeting Ghana’s demand and driving agricultural transformation.