MoTAI brokers peace deal between tomato trader groups to stabilise Ghana’s tomato trade

The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), with support from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, has successfully brokered a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between two major associations in Ghana’s domestic tomato trade, bringing an end to a prolonged dispute that had disrupted the sector.

The MoU, signed on December 22, 2025, unites the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association (GNTTTA) and the Ghana Cargo Owners and Tomato Traders Association (GCOTTA). The agreement resolves tensions that began in May 2023 following a petition by GCOTTA to the Inspector-General of Police.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra, formalised a unified framework to guide coordination, distribution and trading activities within the tomato value chain nationwide.

The agreement was reached after extensive mediation led by MoTAI’s Domestic Trade Directorate, under the leadership of Mrs Cynthia Djokoto, with critical backing from the Ghana Police Service-MTTD. The Police Service was represented at the ceremony by the Director-General of Administration, Commissioner of Police (COP) David Agyemang Adjem, on behalf of the Director-General of MTTD.

COP Adjem described the MoU as a major milestone towards peace and cooperation in the tomato trade and called on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms. He also assured stakeholders of the Police Service’s readiness to provide timely support should challenges arise.

MoTAI officials noted that the agreement aligns with government efforts to stabilise tomato supply and pricing across the country, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to resolving value-chain disputes through dialogue and partnership.

The MoU aims to promote trust, transparency and sustainability within the tomato sector. It provides for coordinated and transparent pricing, improved logistics and transport planning, reduction in losses caused by oversupply, enhanced market access and efficiency for traders and cargo owners, and regular dialogue with structured dispute resolution mechanisms.

Both GNTTTA and GCOTTA expressed confidence that the agreement would reduce tensions, promote fairness and support the long-term sustainability of the tomato trade.

Mrs Djokoto described the agreement as a turning point for the industry, stating that formalised cooperation between the two associations would improve supply reliability, enhance price stability and significantly reduce post-harvest losses.

MoTAI, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has assured both associations of continued support and oversight to ensure full compliance and effective implementation of the MoU.