In a significant move to bolster the shea industry in northern Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated the Sheapark Resource Hub in Wa, located in the Upper West Region. This initiative aims to enhance value addition within the shea sector, a critical component of the rural economy.
The launch event took place at the Wa Naa’s Palace, presided over by the traditional leader, Alhaji Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo VI, and spearheaded by Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin along with Professor Kwame Addo.
During his address, President Mahama emphasized that this project is part of the government’s broader Reset Agenda, which focuses on fostering development across all regions of Ghana. He articulated that the hub is aligned with the government’s vision for transformative regional development, ensuring that no area is overlooked.
Highlighting the importance of shea trees to the cultural and economic fabric of northern communities, Mahama pointed out that while Ghana plays a vital role in global shea production, women who are pivotal in the harvesting and processing of shea nuts often find themselves at the lower end of the economic spectrum.
The Sheapark Resource Hub is designed to transition the industry from raw material extraction to value-added agro-industrial production. This facility will feature state-of-the-art processing units for various products, including cosmetics, food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it will have quality control laboratories, training centers, logistics facilities, and market access platforms.
At full capacity, the hub is projected to empower over 7,000 women and create thousands of job opportunities for local youth, while also supporting related agricultural sectors such as groundnuts and cotton.
Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the value of Ghana’s natural resources before they are exported, covering areas like shea, cashew, and oil palm. He praised local leaders, like the Wa Naa, for advocating against the illegal felling of shea trees and urged communities to protect these vital resources.
To further support women in the shea sector, the President announced the distribution of essential safety gear, including Wellington boots and gloves, to mitigate risks during the harvesting process. Plans for establishing a Women’s Bank were also revealed, aimed at providing financial support specifically for women in the shea industry.
