By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister-Designate for the Volta Region, James Gunu, has outlined plans to assist tomato farmers in preserving their produce and creating sustainable markets for their harvest.
Speaking during his vetting with the Parliamentary Appointment Committee on January 23, 2025, he acknowledged the challenges tomato farmers face, particularly during bumper harvests when large quantities of tomatoes go to waste due to a lack of proper preservation and market access.
Mr. Gunu revealed that his strategy includes collaborating with the District Assemblies and the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Richard Kwame Sefe. He stated that their goal is to attract investors to establish tomato processing plants in key farming areas like Agotime Ziope and other districts where tomatoes are grown in abundance. These processing facilities would not only help preserve surplus tomatoes but also provide jobs for the youth in the constituency.
“In many areas like Agotime Ziope, farmers often sell their tomatoes at very low prices because there is no market or processing plant. This leads to huge losses for them. By working with the assemblies and MPs, we hope to bring in investors who can process these tomatoes and ensure farmers get value for their efforts,” Mr. Gunu explained.
He added that the initiative aligns with the 24-hour economic program of former President John Dramani Mahama, which aims to create employment opportunities for the youth. The proposed measures, Mr. Gunu emphasized, would provide a long-term solution to the issue of post-harvest losses and boost the livelihoods of tomato farmers in the region.
