The government has launched the 2026 World Shea Expo in Wa with a renewed commitment to transform Ghana’s shea industry into a major driver of inclusive economic growth.
The occasion was also used to distribute personal protective equipment (PPEs) to women shea pickers in the Upper West Region.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agricbusiness, at the office of the President, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor described shea as more than just an economic commodity, saying it represented “livelihood, dignity and untapped economic power” for thousands of women across northern Ghana.
“For many women in the northern part of our country, especially in this region, the shea is not just a product, it is survival, a source of life. It is school fees, healthcare and hope,” he said on May 8.
Dr. Otokunor explained that the decision to hold the launch in Wa was deliberate, aimed at redirecting national attention and investment to the Upper West Region, which he described as the “shea headquarters of northern Ghana.”
According to him, although the region plays a major role in shea production, it has remained at the lower end of the value chain for many years.
“We want to shift the attention, shift the opportunity and shift the investment directly to the source of the shea nut,” he stated.
He said Ghana’s shea sector contributes between 112 million and 174 million US dollars annually and supports more than one million women and young people.
However, he lamented that despite Ghana earning nearly GH¢1.93 billion from shea exports, the country still imports large quantities of shea oil and loses substantial economic value because much of the produce is exported in raw form.
“This means while we produce, others process and profit more and we gain less. This balance is not sustainable,” he noted.
Dr. Otokunor said the 2026 World Shea Expo would focus on correcting structural inefficiencies in the industry, strengthening market systems and promoting value addition.
He disclosed that the event, which will be held in Tamale from August 25 to 27, 2026, is expected to attract women cooperatives, youth-led SMEs, processors, exporters, financial institutions, international buyers and development partners.
The Presidential Initiatives Director also announced plans to distribute over 2,000 improved shea seedlings developed by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, which are capable of maturing within three years.
He further called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to enact by-laws to stop the felling of shea trees.
“Shea trees are more than a strategic treasure for the nation. Anybody who cuts down a shea tree cuts down the fortunes and future of our young people and our nation,” he stressed.
As part of the launch, women shea pickers in the Upper West Region received PPEs to protect them from hazards such as snake bites while working in shea parklands.
Dr. Otokunor said the intervention formed part of government’s commitment to safeguard the welfare and dignity of women who form the backbone of the industry.
“Productivity must go hand in hand with protection and no contributor to Ghana’s shea value chain should be left behind or exposed to risk,” he added.
Board Chairman of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority and Member of Parliament for Wa East, Godfred Seidu Jasaw, also underscored the importance of the shea industry to northern Ghana.
He described shea as a resilient natural resource whose economic importance becomes critical during the farming season when many households face food shortages.
“Shea fruits become a very important food source for us,” he noted.
He said Ghana is the world’s second-largest exporter of shea and accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the global shea industry valued at about 6.4 billion dollars.
According to him, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Exim Bank, had approved programmes to support value addition within the shea industry.
He commended organisers of the Expo and praised the distribution of PPEs to women shea pickers, describing the intervention as timely and targeted at addressing the dangers women face during shea collection.
He further disclosed that Ghana’s non-traditional exports had grown by 30.7 per cent, increasing foreign exchange earnings from 3.8 billion dollars to 5.8 billion dollars.
On her part, Pognaa Afusata Salia, Queen of Boli Traditional Area who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries lauded the government for the timely support.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
