Vice President highlights the role of 24-hour economy policy in boosting productivity and creating jobs in shea sector

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized the transformative potential of the government’s 24-hour economy policy in driving productivity, generating employment opportunities, and strengthening value chains within Ghana’s shea industry.

She also drew attention to the need for environmental sustainability within the sector, highlighting critical areas such as the protection of shea parklands, enhancement of soil fertility, and the provision of consistent support for farmers operating across the savannah ecological zones. According to her, safeguarding these environmental factors is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of the shea industry.

The Vice President made these remarks during the official opening of the SHEA 2026 Conference, an international gathering hosted by the Global Shea Alliance with support from the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat. The conference brought together stakeholders from across the shea value chain, including producers, processors, exporters, policymakers, and development partners.

She noted that the Global Shea Alliance, which was inaugurated in 2011 by former President John Dramani Mahama, has made significant strides over the past 15 years. Through collaboration and strategic partnerships, the Alliance has played a vital role in promoting the growth and development of the shea industry across Africa. This year’s conference has attracted participants from 21 African countries, alongside key international partners, reflecting the growing importance of the sector.

A key focus of her address was the urgent need for Ghana and other African nations to move beyond the export of raw shea nuts and instead prioritize value addition. She explained that this shift aligns with the government’s Reset Agenda, which seeks to accelerate industrialization, increase export earnings, and create sustainable jobs.

The Vice President pointed out that the shea sector remains a crucial source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of women, particularly in rural communities. These women play a central role in the harvesting, processing, and trading of shea products, contributing significantly to household incomes and the broader national economy.

With global demand for shea-based products—especially in the cosmetics and food industries—continuing to rise, she stressed the importance of positioning Ghana to capture a larger share of the value chain. This, she said, can be achieved through investments in processing capacity, innovation, quality improvement, and expanded access to international markets.

While acknowledging the progress made in recent years, she called for a more inclusive and forward-looking approach to ensure that the benefits of the industry’s growth are equitably distributed. In particular, she emphasized the need to empower women, who form the backbone of the shea sector, by improving access to finance, training, and market opportunities.

The Vice President expressed optimism that discussions and engagements at the SHEA 2026 Conference would lead to practical solutions, stronger partnerships, and renewed commitments to advancing the sector. She believes these outcomes will not only boost Ghana’s economic transformation but also contribute meaningfully to Africa’s broader development agenda.