ADDRESS BY THE NORTHERN REGIONAL MINISTER, HONOURABLE ALHAJI SHANI ALHASSAN SHAIBU, AT THE INAUGURATION AND LAUNCH OF THE SHEA TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP HELD AT MODERN CITY HOTEL ON THURSDAY, 25TH JANUARY, 2024.
As delivered
Naa Chairman,
CEO of Tree Crops Development Authority
Program Coordinator for ILO Productivity Ecosystems For Decent Work,
Stakeholders in the Shea Industry,
Friends from the Media,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
It is with great pleasure that I join you here today to inaugurate and launch the Shea Technical Working Group in the Northern Region. I thank the organisers for inviting me to be part of such an important and ground breaking exercise.
On behalf of the Chiefs and People of the Region, the Regional Coordinating Council and on my own behalf, I wish to extend our warmest felicitations to you all for your presence at this very historic event.
The shea tree, a valuable natural resource, has been an integral part of the lives and livelihoods of many people in Northern Ghana for so many years. It has been a source of income for many rural communities in this part of the country for generations. This industry has put many through school, fed many and yet has not seen significant improvement over time. It is therefore laudable that a working group has been established to promote and develop the shea industry in the Northern sector and the country at large.
The Shea nut is a key ingredient in the production of shea butter, a highly sought-after commodity in the global market for its numerous applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. However, despite its economic significance, the shea industry faces several challenges that hinders the industry from reaching its full potential. These challenges include but not limited to inadequate technical knowledge and skills, poor processing methods, limited market access, and a lack of quality standards and certification processes.
Naa Chairman, it is worthy to note that the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) was established in 2019 by this Government as part of efforts to revolutionalize the Agric sector, to propel development through Agribusiness. TCDA as a corporate body was tasked to regulate and develop the production, processing and trading of six (6) tree crops namely; cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber and oil palm.
This initiative of TCDA therefore marks a positive step towards addressing challenges and capitalizing on the benefits and economic potential associated with shea. The establishment of a technical working group further buttresses their commitment to this endeavor.Top of Form Bottom of FormThe working group I am told, is expected to serve as a platform for stakeholders from the public and private sectors, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations to collaborate and coordinate their efforts in promoting a sustainable development of the shea industry.
I encourage TCDA with technical guidance from the Shea Technical Working Group to develop and promote best practices in shea nut collection, processing, and marketing. I also urge you to organise technical training and capacity-building programs for shea nut collectors and processors to enhance their skills and knowledge as well as initiatives to improve the quality and consistency of shea butter products to meet international standards and specifications.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I further entreat the Technical Working Group to facilitate market access and trade opportunities for shea products, through the establishment of linkages between shea producers and buyers, both locally and internationally, by encouraging value addition and the strengthening of market linkages.
In doing so, more opportunities will be created for shea producers to access premium markets and secure better prices for their products.
In addition, I encourage TCDA through the Shea Technical Working Group to work towards improving the infrastructure and facilities for shea processing and storage and place emphasis on initiatives to enhance the efficiency and productivity of shea processing centres, as well as the adoption of modern storage and preservation techniques to prolong the shelf life of shea nuts and shea products.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to assure TCDA, its partners, stakeholders, and the Technical Working Group of the unflinching support of the RCC as they play the crucial role in advocating for favourable policies and regulations that propel sustainable development of the shea industry.
Together we will make conscious efforts at promoting environmental conservation, land rights protection, and women's empowerment acknowledging the significant role they play in the entire shea value chain.
Indeed the establishment of the Shea Technical Working Group is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the economic potential of the shea industry in Northern Ghana.
Through collaborative efforts and proactive interventions, we can overcome the challenges facing the shea industry and create new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development in the region.
Naa Chairman, permit me to use this opportunity to call upon all stakeholders, including research institutions, private sector enterprises, and civil society organizations, to join hands and support the initiatives of the Shea Technical Working Group. Together, we can build a vibrant and resilient shea industry that benefits the livelihoods of our people and contributes to the economic prosperity of the Northern Region and Ghana at large.
Naa Chairman, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, on this note, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all the partners and stakeholders who have contributed to the establishment of the Shea Technical Working Group, a testament to our collective commitment to sustainable development, economic empowerment, and the well-being of our people. With unwavering commitment, we can chart a new course for the shea industry in Northern Ghana, creating a brighter future for all those involved in its value chain.
I hereby declare the Shea Technical Working Group officially launched in the Northern Region of Ghana, marking the beginning of a new era for the industry to bring prosperity, sustainability, and pride to our region and Ghana as a whole.
May the shea tree continue to be a symbol of growth, resilience, and prosperity for generations to come.
Long live TCDA, Long live the Northern Region, long live Ghana, and
Thank you and May God bless us all.Top of Form