Koforidua, February 23 – To realize its full potential in the tomato sector, Ghana must undertake significant reforms in leadership and establish robust accountability mechanisms, according to Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu, a prominent figure in agricultural innovation.
Dr. Azinu, who leads the Legacy Crop Improvement Centre located in Otareso, expressed his views during an interview with the Ghana News Agency, emphasizing the urgent need for change in a sector he describes as possessing untapped wealth yet grappling with hunger.
Reflecting on the thematic discussion titled “Ghana’s Tomato Industry: A Nation Sitting on Gold but Dying of Hunger,” Dr. Azinu highlighted that the root cause of the sector’s decline lies not in environmental factors but in a failure of leadership and accountability. “Our challenges are not about the land or climate but about how we manage our resources,” he stated.
Dr. Azinu criticized the prevailing culture of dishonesty, greed, and neglect that has hindered the country’s agricultural advancement. He noted, “These behaviors cripple our institutions and derail initiatives that could significantly enhance farmers’ livelihoods.”
He pointed to Ghana’s historical approach to agriculture, particularly during the era of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who strategically established tomato processing facilities in regions optimal for production. “Nkrumah recognized the agronomic needs of tomatoes and positioned processing plants where they would thrive,” he explained.
However, Dr. Azinu lamented the decline of these initiatives, attributing it to policy neglect that resulted in a shift from local production to heavy reliance on imports. “We moved from being self-sufficient to depending on foreign tomato paste as our local capacity diminished,” he added.
He raised concerns over the lack of tangible outcomes from various public and donor-funded programs aimed at revitalizing the tomato sector. “We must question the use of funds from projects like the OBATANPA CARE Project, which were meant for seed production. Where are the seeds, and where is the accountability for these investments?”
Moreover, Dr. Azinu criticized the agricultural community’s tendency to prioritize conferences over actionable results, stating, “While professionals gather to discuss Ghana’s agricultural potential, little is returned to the farmers in terms of innovations or improved agricultural practices.”
He argued for a shift in focus, urging that farmers should be central to every agricultural association’s mission, particularly in ensuring access to quality seeds. “Seed associations should prioritize innovation rather than merely serve as platforms for grant access,” Dr. Azinu asserted.
Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic that with the right leadership reforms, Ghana can revive its tomato industry. “The resources, climate, and knowledge are available. What we need now is integrity and accountability across all levels,” he concluded. He called for transparency regarding agricultural grants, restructuring of seed associations, and a renewed commitment to local production. “We need to value what we can grow and stop celebrating our dependency on imports,” he urged, emphasizing the idea that Ghana’s potential is not lacking but rather stifled by poor accountability. By enhancing governance and oversight, Dr. Azinu believes that the tomato industry can flourish, securing a brighter future for Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
