Tomatoes and greed – the exodus of Ghana's farmers | DW Documentary

What do tomatoes have to do with mass migration? Tomatoes are a poker chip in global trade policies. Subsidized products from the EU, China and elsewhere are sold at dumping prices, destroying markets and livelihoods in Africa in the process.

Edward still harvests tomatoes. But he is no longer on his own fields in Ghana. He now works on plantations in southern Italy under precarious conditions. The tomatoes he harvests are processed, canned and shipped abroad - including to Ghana, where they compete with local products. The flood of cheap imports from China, the US and the EU has driven Ghana’s tomato industry to ruin. Desperate farmers find themselves having to seek work elsewhere, including in Europe. For many, the only route available is a dangerous journey through the desert and across the Mediterranean. Ghana is a nation at peace, a democracy with free elections and economic growth. Nonetheless, tomato farmer Benedicta is only able to make ends meet because her husband regularly sends her money from his earnings in Italy.

A former tomato factory in Pwalugu, Ghana, illustrates the predicament. This factory once helped secure the livelihood of tomato farmers across the region. Today it lies empty, guarded by Vincent, a former employee who hopes to keep it from falling into ruin. In the surrounding region, the market for tomatoes has collapsed and most farmers are no longer growing what could easily be Ghana’s ‘red gold’. An agricultural advisor is trying to help local tomato farmers, but has little by way of hope to offer. Conditions like this are what drive local farmers to cut their losses and head for Europe. Once in Italy, migrants from Ghana and other African countries are forced to live in desperate conditions near the plantations. They work as day laborers for extremely low wages, helping to grow the very tomatoes that are costing people back home their work and livelihoods. These days, canned tomatoes from China, Italy and Spain are available for purchase on the market of Accra. Some may call this free trade. But economist Kwabena Otoo says free trade should open doors; not destroy people’s lives.

Every two seconds, a person is forced to flee their home. Today, more than 70 million people have been displaced worldwide. The DW documentary series ‘Displaced’ sheds light on the causes of this crisis and traces how wealthy industrialized countries are contributing to the exodus from the Global South.

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[AntonioCostaRealEstate]

DW has a pick of editorial subjects unlike any other documentary Channel. No click bait, no hidden agenda. A rarity these days. Keep up the good work.

[kofiadaba]

I live in Ghana and it's not like our politicians are not aware, they are very aware yet they prefer not to do anything because they fear they could loose loans and grants from more developed countries and the IMF. We need patriotic and bold leaders.

[annejohnson]

DW has educated me much! Big up this documentary channel

[yawkuranche]

Thank you DW for this eye opener of a documentary. It tells the real Ghanaian story, which our leaders even pay money to conceal, but rather resort to needless propaganda and sloganeering. I feel ashamed as a Ghanaian watching this, seeing how hard my fellow country men and women work on these farms and yet gain nothing for their hard work. Looking at the stats, I don't foresee this trend easing any sooner and it saddens my heart.

[Tizzo]

A crate of tomatoes in Tanzania goes up to $30 sometimes more. Maybe i should find a way to import from Ghana thus making it a win/win for everyone. Truly the grass is never Greener. In East Africa, Ghana is held as a beacon of African development, politics and policies. Often only great stories about Ghana come out and then a story like this comes along and leaves you gobsmacked. Thank you DW for such a great story but one that's painful to watch.

[lim]

The impact of global trade policies on people's lives is deeply moving. From Ghana's struggling tomato farmers to migrants in Italy, this documentary unveils the human cost of subsidized products and dumping prices. It's a powerful reminder of the complex challenges faced by those forced to make perilous journeys. Thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue.

[aniwaba]

As a Ghanaian journalist having watched this, I cried (no exaggeration here) and bemoaned how my country's politicians and their counterparts on the continent, at large, have bitterly failed us.

Those in power and even the opposition all think mainly about one thing; filling their pockets! They are unable to withstand foreign policies that, we all know, are sinking the continent.

What Ghana needs are politicians who are determined to achieve a nationalistic agenda rather than partisan and selfish interests.

Anyway, DW, this documentary is a top-notch piece of journalism. Overly beautiful and captivating. Grateful for telling our sorry story with a touch of glory.

[MrRight-vs]

One year later Ghana now has a tomato procession plant. Not sure how many they will need but it’s a step in the right direction. Also Nigeria has finally made a tomato processing plant as well.

[MukrangEngleng-fzqo]

I find DW very genuine which is hard to find these days. They speak and showcase the truth. Keep it up 🙏❤️.

[chrisparsonson]

I am South African, old and retired. I had been buying Italian canned tomatoes because of the price but also because I lived in Italy for 7 years and know that Italians care about food. However this video has changed my perspective. Unfortunately South African producers care only about profit and the shoppers health is not their problem. I eventually gave up canned tomatoes because many if not all producers coat the inside of the cans with a plastic that is not very healthy. Currently I get tomatoes from my garden.

[amadiouf]

Paid almost nothing to work the whole Day and send part of your salary to your relatives. They Will buy cheaper tomatoes with this same money.... A circle of hell

[kingchaddie]

It's so nice travelling to different places via documentaries. Well done.Good job DW.❤

[luisc.h.]

Canned and processed tomatoes over fresh ones? No, thank you! I'll take locally grown, fresh tomatoes over that!

[Zayn_West]

The best channel in the world. They visit the grassroots where the real issue is. I hope DW stays this way for long.

[Kelvinllovejr]

I met many Ghanaians when I used to work at the airport. Such good friends (medamfoo). Nice to hear Twi again. It was the first language I learned outside of my native English and Secondary Spanish.

[malikqadeer]

As usual, a very good documentry. DW documentries take us to places, nobody else can, or will. Thank you DW team.😃

[SuperKwame]

DW is one of the best stations I’ve seen! Bar none ! Fair and honest!

[radiantchristina]

Thank you for educating us with important information that I don't see on the news. It is so sad that humans have to live in such conditions while trying to make a living. 😥

[mieldizon]

What a beautiful land☺️, it's my first time to watch African lives, but I know not all African experience this kind of life, same here in the Philippines. God Bless us all☺️

[gladyswandia]

Thank you for this documentary DW, it's honest and not patronizing at all. It's interesting and informative.🤔🙌.