With the World Shea Expo on the horizon, Ghana is leaving nothing to chance. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Agribusiness Development at the Office of the President, has convened a high-level strategic meeting with representatives from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Savanna Golden Tree Limited, signalling the government’s intent to make a strong impression on the global shea stage this year.
The meeting served as both a planning session and a broader strategic conversation, bringing key stakeholders together to align on preparatory activities for the expo while mapping out Ghana’s wider ambitions for positioning its shea sector as a powerhouse in the international market.
At the heart of the discussions was a shared recognition of the shea industry’s untapped economic potential. Participants examined how the sector could be harnessed more effectively to generate sustainable employment and contribute meaningfully to national development, goals that have taken on added urgency as Ghana looks to diversify its economic base and create opportunities in rural communities where shea production is most concentrated.
Dr. Otokunor was emphatic on one point: Ghana cannot unlock the full value of its shea industry by working in isolation.
He stressed the critical importance of deepening partnerships with international organisations and private sector actors, arguing that such collaborations are essential to expanding market access and driving greater value addition within the sector, moving beyond raw shea exports toward more processed, higher-value products that keep more wealth within the country.
All eyes are now on the World Shea Expo, which is expected to be a defining moment for Ghana’s shea industry. The event will offer a prominent platform to showcase the country’s shea potential to a global audience, attract fresh investment, and open new trade doors for local producers who form the backbone of the sector.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com