By Samuel SAM, Tamale
The 2024 World Shea Expo was held in Tamale with a focus on harnessing the potential of Shea production and promoting it to both local and international markets.
The three-day event, organised by Savannah Golden Tree Limited in collaboration with Global Shea Alliance, Ghana Cocoa Board, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, International Labour Organisation and others, was themed ‘Nurturing Growth, Empowering Communities’. It aimed to advance the Shea industry, enhance market access and empower women and youth engaged in the Shea value chain.
The expo brought together a wide range of stakeholders including women pickers, farmers, processors, researchers and financial institutions, fostering collaboration and networking. It also provided an opportunity for Shea processors and industry players to showcase their innovations while connecting value chain actors to international markets and investors.
Vice President of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, represented by Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Tuleiru Mohammed Hardi, highlighted Ghana’s status as a leading Shea producer with women at the heart of the industry. He emphasised the need to nurture growth, create opportunities for families and entrepreneurs, and enhance living standards through the Shea value chain.
Mr. Hardi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nanton, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the sustainability of the Shea industry as a driver of economic growth. He called for the adoption of new technologies, sustainable practices, and market access strategies, as well as increased investment in research and development to enhance product quality and explore new markets.
Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, lauded the Shea sector’s role in sustaining livelihoods and contributing to socio-economic development. However, he noted that the industry faces significant challenges including destructive farming practices – deforestation, bush-burning and climate change – which threaten its sustainability. He urged stakeholders to use the expo as a platform for sharing knowledge and building partnerships to overcome these obstacles.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Executive Officer-Savannah Golden Tree Limited, Rashid Zakaria, the Northern Regional Chairman-Ghana Cocoa Coffee and Shea Nut Farmers Association (COCOSHE), Imoro Issifu Alhassan, underscored the need to highlight Ghana’s pivotal role in the global Shea industry. He noted that the organisation is committed to promoting Shea products, creating market opportunities and showcasing Ghana’s Shea industry to the world, including markets in the USA, China, Japan and the UAE.
Executive Director-World Shea Expo 2024, Chief Adams Tampuri, emphasised that the event aimed to foster innovation, collaboration and networking among actors in the Shea value chain, contributing to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
