In a significant move aimed at enhancing the shea industry in northern Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Sheapark Resource Hub Project in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster local economies through value addition in agriculture.
The launch event took place at the forecourt of the Wa Naa’s Palace, with notable attendees including the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and Professor Kwame Addo, while the proceedings were chaired by Wa Naa Alhaji Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo VI.
During his address, President Mahama emphasized that the establishment of the Sheapark Resource Hub is a critical element of the government’s Reset Agenda, which aims to foster regionally-driven development and ensure equitable progress across the nation. He noted that this project aligns with various initiatives, including the Big Push and the 24-Hour Economy Initiative.
The President highlighted the importance of the shea sector, describing it as a fundamental component of Ghana’s rural economic landscape, especially in the northern savannah areas. Despite Ghana’s prominent role in global shea production, he pointed out that women, who are mainly responsible for shea picking and processing, often remain at the lower end of the value chain.
The Sheapark Resource Hub aims to transition the industry from raw extraction to value-added production, promoting agro-industrial practices. The facility will offer modern processing units for creating cosmetics, food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, in addition to quality control labs, training centers, and logistical support.
At its full capacity, the Hub is projected to empower over 7,000 women and generate thousands of jobs for youth in the Upper West Region. Furthermore, it is expected to support value chains for other agricultural products such as groundnuts, soybeans, and cotton.
President Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the value of Ghana’s natural resources before they are exported, which includes not only shea but also cashew, cotton, and palm oil. He praised the Wa Naa for advocating the protection of shea trees, advocating for strict penalties against their illegal felling.
To ensure the safety of women working in the shea sector, the President announced the distribution of 3,000 pairs of Wellington boots and 3,200 gloves to protect them from potential hazards during harvest. Additionally, plans for establishing a Women’s Bank to provide financial support to women in the shea industry were also revealed.
