The World Shea Expo is underway in Tamale, with organisers calling for more investment in Ghana’s shea industry.
The three-day event is focused on helping women and young people create more value from shea products.
It is being held under the theme, “From Local Commodity to Global Brand: Accelerating Women and Youth-led Value Addition in Shea.”
Savannah Golden Tree Limited is organising the expo with support from the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness.
The event has also attracted partners such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana EXIM Bank and the Tree Crops Development Authority.
Industry players and investors are expected to discuss ways to improve shea production, processing and marketing.
World Shea Expo targets women’s ownership
Professor Abukari Alhassan, the local chairman of the expo, wants women to take ownership of more businesses in the shea sector.
He said women had played key roles in collecting, processing and trading shea for generations.
However, he believes their role must go beyond supplying raw materials.
“Women must move from participation to ownership,” Professor Alhassan said.
He added that women must lead efforts to transform the industry.
According to him, women-led businesses need better access to finance and modern equipment.
They also need support with certification, packaging and digital marketing.
These resources could help more women enter manufacturing and export.
Organisers seek a modern shea industry
Professor Alhassan also called for a more modern and environmentally friendly shea industry.
He said the sector must use technology to attract young people.
“We must deliberately position shea as a modern, technology-driven and environmentally sustainable industry capable of attracting Africa’s brightest young minds,” he said.
He also stressed the need to ensure that shea-producing communities benefit from the industry.
Shea could boost northern Ghana
Imoro Issifu Alhassan, chairman of Savannah Golden Tree Limited, said shea could support Ghana’s economic growth.
He said the industry could also complement the country’s cocoa sector.
However, he noted that more investment was needed.
Mr Alhassan disclosed plans to establish a shea plantation at Futa in the Nanton Traditional Area.
The plantation will cover 30 acres, although he initially referred to it as a 20-acre project.
He urged investors to support the production and marketing of shea products.
The expo will showcase opportunities in the sector and promote greater benefits for women, local communities and Ghana.
Source: GraphicOnline
