The host of the Digest show on Kessben TV, has blamed tomato traders for contributing to the conditions that have pushed many of them to source produce from Burkina Faso following the recent attack that killed several Ghanaian traders.
Speaking on Kessben Maakye with Kojo Preko Dankwa, Ziega said although the killings were tragic and condemnable, the long-standing trading practices within the local tomato market have discouraged domestic production.
According to Ziega, local farmers are unable to meet Ghana’s consumption needs partly because traders control the pricing system. He alleged that farmers often arrange transport from farms to market centres but the traders dictate purchase prices after the produce arrives.
He explained that due to the perishable nature of tomatoes, farmers are forced to accept the prices offered, even when they incur losses after accounting for labour, inputs, and transportation costs.
“The farmers suffer heavy losses and eventually abandon tomato farming for other ventures,” he stated.
Ziega argued that the resulting decline in local production has contributed to the country’s reliance on imports, forcing traders to undertake risky journeys outside .
He cautioned that even with government interventions such as subsidies and irrigation support, the situation will persist unless traders change what he described as exploitative pricing practices.
“If the cheating continues, we will still depend on imports no matter the support given to farmers,” he added.
The comments come amid renewed debate over how to strengthen domestic tomato production and reduce the dangers traders face when sourcing produce abroad.
