Tonnes Of Tomatoes Rot In Volta Region As Farmers Struggle To Find Buyers

Story By: Zainab Ali

Tomato farmers in the Anloga-Avume area of the Volta Region are reporting significant post-harvest losses as tonnes of ripe tomatoes are left to rot on farms.

The farmers say a shortage of harvesting crates and the absence of buyers have made it difficult to move their produce from the farms to the market.

A report by Citi Newsroom on September 18, 2026, said the situation has created serious concerns among farmers in the area, particularly as tomatoes continue to ripen faster than they can be harvested and sold.

For farmers who have already invested money and labour into cultivation, the inability to sell the produce means a significant portion of their expected income could be lost.

The situation also highlights the challenges that can occur after agricultural production, even when farmers successfully grow their crops.

Post-harvest losses can occur when farmers lack adequate storage, transportation, packaging facilities or access to reliable markets. In the case of the Avume farmers, the reported shortage of crates is adding to the difficulty of getting the tomatoes to buyers.

The farmers’ concerns come at a time when Ghana continues to place emphasis on improving agricultural production and reducing dependence on imported food products.

Beyond the immediate financial impact on farmers, large quantities of tomatoes going to waste can also affect the availability and prices of the commodity in markets.

The farmers are therefore calling attention to the need for better access to buyers and the logistics required to transport their produce before it spoils.