By Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has issued a decisive charge to district assemblies across the Upper West Region to revive the once-thriving tomato production sector in Sankana so as to fortify domestic supply chains and curb Ghana’s dependence on imports.
She observed that Sankana was historically a pivotal hub for tomato cultivation and retains the agronomic potential to reclaim its preeminent status.
The directive comes as government intensifies efforts to bolster local production, especially in the aftermath of violent attacks on Ghanaian tomato farmers in Burkina Faso that claimed eight lives.
Addressing the Sankana Festival, the Vice President implored local authorities to collaborate intimately with communities to reinvigorate tomato cultivation across the Upper West Region.
“Agriculture as we know is also very important to our national development agenda. Sankana is well positioned to benefit from ongoing efforts to strengthen food production and agro-processing,” she stressed.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further appealed for social cohesion among residents, noting that tranquility is the bedrock of sustainable development.
“Every aspect of national development rests on peace. Where stability holds, businesses can grow, farmers can invest in their land and children can thrive,” she said.
Underscoring government’s infrastructure commitment under the Big Push programme, she highlighted major road projects advancing in the northern corridor.
“I am happy to note that the road from Wa through Tumu to Navrongo is currently under construction. Furthermore, work has started on the Wa to Sawla road,” she said.