Farmers in the Dorongo community in the Bolgatanga Municipality are calling on the government to prioritise the revival of the Pwalugu Tomato Factory, rather than pursuing diplomatic engagement with Burkina Faso over its ban on tomato exports to Ghana.
The farmers say revamping the factory would provide a ready market for their produce and strengthen local tomato production in the Upper East Region.
“The factory was built for us, and it has been abandoned,” said Nsobila Awal. “Revamping it will help us sell our produce and boost tomato farming in the region, not only in Dorongo.”
Another farmer, Paul Aloliga, echoed the call, urging government to focus on long-term solutions that support local farmers.
“Government is a continuous institution,” he said. “Let’s focus on supporting our farmers, not seeking favours from other countries.”
Daniel Abagna also stressed the importance of restoring the factory, describing it as a critical link between farmers and the market.
“Revamping the Pwalugu factory will serve us well. We will have a local market, and the factory will buy our produce. It is a win-win for Ghanaian farmers,” he said.
The Assembly Member for the area, Atugra Richmond, who is also a farmer, said a functioning factory would significantly improve production and market access.
“If the factory is operational, we will produce more, and market women will come to buy. We will feed the factory, and everyone benefits,” he said.
The farmers said the current situation highlights the need for government to invest in local agricultural industries and market systems, rather than relying heavily on cross-border trade.
They also called for urgent support to rehabilitate the Dorongo Dam, which they say is critical for dry-season farming. Chairman of the Dorongo Farmers and Water Users Association, Abagna Alex Abunga, appealed to government to desilt the dam to improve water availability for irrigation.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
