The government has stepped in to support smallholder farmers in Asante Akim North by purchasing 1,000 boxes of tomatoes and 2,000 bags of onions cultivated under the Feed Ghana Programme, in a bid to prevent post-harvest losses.
The intervention follows an appeal from the area’s Member of Parliament, Frimpong Kwame Ohene Asante, who highlighted that many farmers had expanded production but were unable to secure ready markets for their highly perishable crops.
Announcing the initiative, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, explained that the directive came directly from the President.
“Following the MP’s request, the President instructed that all senior high schools in Asante Akim North procure the tomatoes and onions produced locally. This ensures farmers receive fair value for their produce while guaranteeing fresh food for students,” he said.
Dr. Otokunor disclosed that the entire consignment of tomatoes had already been absorbed and assured that similar arrangements would continue to ease market challenges for farmers.
He also used the platform to introduce a digital registration portal for the government’s flagship Three Million Coconut Seedlings Initiative, aimed at promoting long-term agricultural sustainability.
“The registration process is simple and entirely digital. Farmers are required to prepare their land before receiving seedlings to allow timely planting and achieve maximum yield,” he added.
