Salaga: The Northern Zonal Directorate of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop for shea nut pickers in the Savannah Region. The initiative aims to improve production quality, enhance incomes, and strengthen Ghana’s position in the international shea market.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training of trainers workshop, held in Salaga in the East Gonja Municipality, provided about 30 women from communities including Kalanda, Minpersam, Massaka, and Salaga township with best practices in harvesting, handling, and storage of shea nuts to meet global market standards. A similar workshop was conducted for 30 shea nuts pickers in Walewale, North East Region, equipping them to train other women in their communities.
Mr. Seidu Saaka Bakari, GEPA Zonal Director for Northern, North East, and Savannah Regions, stated that the initiative demonstrates GEPA’s commitment to empowering rural women and maximizing the benefits from Ghana’s natural resources. He highlighted the global demand for shea in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals and its role as a livelihood source for thousands of rural women in northern Ghana.
Mr. Bakari emphasized the importance of proper harvesting and storage practices to increase the value of shea nuts and improve producers’ incomes. He assured participants of GEPA’s commitment to providing the necessary knowledge and connections to transform the shea sector into a competitive global industry known for quality and sustainability.
The program also aimed to build women’s confidence and entrepreneurial outlook. Mr. Bakari encouraged participants to view themselves as entrepreneurs and to focus on quality and growth in the shea business. He recognized the dedication of various stakeholders, including Mr. Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, CEO of GEPA, in developing the shea industry.
Mr. Alhassan Sumaila Dubie, Shea Value Chain Specialist at Crop Development Authority, educated participants on shea farming as a business and protocols for quality production. He emphasized the need for investment in quality seeds and tools to ensure profitable harvests and urged participants to take their business seriously to attract necessary support.
Madam Zenabu Iddrisu, representing her colleagues from Massaka community, expressed gratitude to GEPA for the skills acquired and committed to using the training to boost production and profitability in their communities.