- Gov’t purchases 1,000 boxes of tomatoes and 2,000 bags of onions in Asante Akim North
- Farmers faced post-harvest losses despite increased yields under the Feed Ghana Programme
- Entire tomato consignment has already been absorbed
The government has stepped in to purchase 1,000 boxes of tomatoes and 2,000 bags of onions from farmers in the Asante Akim North District of the Ashanti Region.
The move comes amid concerns that a bumper harvest—achieved through the Feed Ghana Programme—could go to waste due to a lack of buyers.
According to Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Kwame Ohene Asante, smallholder farmers had significantly increased tomato and onion production this season, but faced difficulties selling their highly perishable crops.
Responding to the MP’s appeal, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo instructed that all the produce be purchased by senior high schools within the district. This directive aims to ensure that farmers are fairly compensated while providing nutritious meals for students.
“The president’s intervention ensures fair value for the farmers while supporting school feeding efforts,” said Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, during a press briefing.
Dr. Otokunor also confirmed that all 1,000 boxes of tomatoes had already been successfully distributed.
The briefing also marked the official launch of the public registration portal for the government’s Three Million Coconut Seedlings Initiative, which promotes crop diversification and long-term agribusiness sustainability.
“The registration process is fully digital and can be completed in minutes using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer,” Dr. Otokunor explained. “Farmers will need to provide basic information like name, contact, farm location, and acreage. Land preparation is a requirement before seedlings are distributed.”
The twin initiatives—market access for excess produce and coconut cultivation—are part of the government’s broader strategy to support agricultural development, enhance farmer incomes, and boost food security.
