The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), with strategic support from the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), has successfully facilitated a landmark agreement aimed at restoring stability and coordination within Ghana’s domestic tomato trade.

The agreement, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 22, 2025, brings together the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association (GNTTTA) and the Ghana Cargo Owners and Tomato Traders Association (GCOTTA). The MoU resolves a long-standing dispute that had disrupted the tomato value chain since May 2023.

The formal signing ceremony, held at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra, marked the official end of a protracted standoff that began after GCOTTA submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police. The agreement establishes a unified framework to guide coordination, distribution, and trade of tomatoes across the country, paving the way for improved collaboration among stakeholders.

The breakthrough followed intensive mediation efforts led by MoTAI’s Domestic Trade Directorate, under the leadership of Mrs. Cynthia Djokoto, with critical support 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.

Addressing stakeholders, COP Adjem welcomed the agreement, describing it as a major milestone in fostering peace, cooperation, and discipline within the tomato trade. He stressed the importance of strict adherence to the terms of the MoU and assured both associations of the Police Service’s continued support and timely intervention should challenges arise.

Officials of MoTAI reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to resolving value-chain disputes through dialogue, partnership, and inclusive engagement, noting that the agreement aligns with government’s broader efforts to stabilise tomato supply and pricing nationwide.

Key Objectives of the MoU
The MoU seeks to build trust, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable practices within the tomato value chain. Its key objectives include:

Establishing coordinated and transparent pricing mechanisms

Improving logistics planning and transport scheduling

Reducing market losses arising from oversupply

Enhancing market access and operational efficiency for traders and cargo owners

Instituting regular dialogue and structured dispute resolution mechanisms

Representatives of both GNTTTA and GCOTTA expressed optimism that the agreement would significantly reduce friction, promote fairness, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Cynthia Djokoto described the agreement as a turning point for Ghana’s tomato industry.

“The formalisation of cooperation between GNTTTA and GCOTTA is a critical milestone in addressing longstanding challenges within Ghana’s tomato value chain. We anticipate that effective implementation of this MoU will improve supply reliability, enhance price stability, and significantly reduce post-harvest losses, thereby strengthening the domestic agribusiness sector,” she stated.

The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has assured both associations of continuous support and oversight to ensure full compliance and the successful implementation of all agreed commitments.