President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to prioritise local processing of shea products instead of exporting raw shea nuts, warning that the country continues to lose substantial economic value by selling the commodity in its unprocessed form.

He made the call on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the launch of the SheaPark Resource Hub in Wa in the Upper West Region. The facility is expected to process shea nuts into finished products, including cosmetics, ointments and food items, for both local consumption and export.

President Mahama noted that shea has been part of Ghana’s cultural heritage for generations, serving as food and a natural cosmetic. He said globally, shea butter is highly valued in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries due to its natural qualities.

Despite its high international demand, the President expressed concern that local women who collect and sell shea nuts receive minimal returns.

“Our women sell shea nuts cheaply, but when the same shea is processed into lotions and ointments abroad, the value increases many times,” he said. “We must bring that full value home.”

According to President Mahama, the SheaPark Resource Hub is designed to ensure that shea nuts are harvested, processed and packaged in Ghana before being exported as finished products. He said the project will create jobs, increase incomes and strengthen local industries.

He explained that the initiative fits into his government’s 24-hour economy vision, which aims to ensure that economic activity and development are continuous rather than seasonal. The hub, he said, will operate in shifts across processing, packaging, logistics and distribution, creating round-the-clock employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.

President Mahama added that the creation of decent jobs in northern Ghana would help reduce migration and ease economic hardship in the region.

He further noted that SheaPark is built on principles of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land use, renewable energy and recycling, while ensuring environmental protection.

The President commended the partnership behind the project, involving government, traditional authorities, private investors, cooperatives, development partners and the diaspora, describing it as a strong model for sustainable development.

He encouraged women and young people in the Upper West Region to take ownership of the facility, build their skills, innovate and develop competitive enterprises. He assured them of continued government support through infrastructure development, stable policies, access to finance and a business-friendly economic environment.

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