Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially opened the SHEA 2026 Conference, hosted by the Global Shea Alliance with support from the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat.
The Alliance, inaugurated in 2011 by President John Dramani Mahama, has grown significantly over the past 15 years, fostering impactful collaboration to advance the shea industry across Africa. This year’s conference has convened participants from 21 African countries alongside key development partners.
The Vice President underscored the urgent need for Ghana and Africa to transition from the export of raw shea materials to value-added production, in line with Government’s Reset Agenda aimed at accelerating industrial growth.
She noted that Ghana’s shea sector remains a critical source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of women, whose contributions continue to sustain households and support the national economy. With global demand for shea products on the rise, she emphasised the importance of positioning Ghana to capture greater value through processing, innovation, and expanded market access.
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang further highlighted the role of the 24-hour economy policy in boosting productivity, creating jobs, and strengthening value chains within the sector. She also stressed the importance of environmental sustainability, including the protection of shea parklands, improved soil fertility, and sustained support for farmers across the savannah ecological zones.
While commending the progress made, the Vice President called for a forward-looking approach to ensure that the benefits of the growing shea industry are equitably shared, particularly among the women who form its backbone.
She expressed confidence that deliberations at SHEA 2026 will yield practical solutions and renewed partnerships to drive the next phase of growth, contributing to Ghana’s economic transformation and Africa’s broader development agenda.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
