Ghana imports over $400 million worth of tomatoes yearly from Burkina Faso despite abundant agricultural resources, Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku has revealed.
The disclosure came during Adom TV’s investigative documentary “Hunger After Plenty,” exposing systemic failures in Ghana’s food supply chain.
According to Minister Opoku, the nation’s fertile lands and extensive farmer base contrast sharply with recurring shortages that force massive imports. “It is heartbreaking that despite our blessings, we face seasonal hunger,” Opoku stated in the documentary, which highlights vast tomato and yam surpluses left rotting in fields due to inadequate preservation infrastructure.
The film documents severe post-harvest losses between March and July annually, triggering nationwide price spikes. Experts interviewed propose urgent investments in cold storage, processing facilities, and buffer stock systems to bridge seasonal gaps. A cited UN report indicates over 40% of Ghana’s 34 million population experience food insecurity.
Scenes show market traders discarding unsold produce while consumers struggle with unaffordable prices. “Hunger After Plenty” questions how an agriculturally endowed nation faces such contradictions, urging policy reforms and infrastructure modernization to harness domestic potential.