Political party communicators in Navrongo call for targeted policies to boost shea industry
According to them, such targeted interventions would not only strengthen the shea value chain but also significantly empower women and improve livelihoods across Northern Ghana.
Political communicators from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Navrongo Central Constituency have jointly called on Ghanaian leaders, particularly policymakers, to prioritize the shea industry through deliberate and well-structured policies aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in the sector.
According to them, such targeted interventions would not only strengthen the shea value chain but also significantly empower women and improve livelihoods across Northern Ghana.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday, March 20, Jacob Asomadawine, a member of the NPP Communications Team, emphasized the critical role rural women play in the industry, citing survey data to support his claim.
“About 85 percent of rural women are engaged in the shea value chain. Improving the industry will directly enhance the livelihoods of these women,” he stated.
Asomadawine noted that the sector has not received adequate attention from successive governments and called for urgent measures to revitalize it.
He stressed that strengthening the shea industry could also help curb rural-urban migration by creating sustainable economic opportunities for young women.
He further raised concerns about environmental threats to shea trees, warning that human activities are endangering their survival.
“An estimated 9.4 million shea trees grow naturally in Northern Ghana, but recent reports indicate these numbers are declining. If care is not taken, the trees could face extinction due to construction, farming activities, and illegal mining (galamsey),” he cautioned.
Also contributing to the discussion, Carl Mardi, a member of the NDC Communications Team in the constituency, highlighted the immense global potential of the shea industry.
“Shea butter is highly lucrative on the global market. It is currently valued at about $2.4 billion and is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2030. Yet, we have this resource locally and do not seem to fully appreciate its value,” he observed.
Mardi outlined the diverse uses of shea butter, including its application in cooking, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, underscoring its economic and cultural importance.
He also welcomed recent policy directions announced by the government through the Directorate for Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, expressing optimism that, if effectively implemented, they could address some of the sector’s challenges.
Both communicators concluded by calling for intensified advocacy and public education to raise awareness about the shea industry.
“Shea has not received the same level of attention as cocoa. Many people are still unaware of its potential, largely due to inadequate education and publicity.” Mardi added.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
