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 into a continental platform for collaboration, with this year’s gathering drawing participants from 21 African countries alongside key development partners.
In her keynote address, the Vice President underscored the urgent need for Ghana and Africa to transition from exporting raw shea materials to value‑added production, aligning with Government’s Reset Agenda to accelerate industrial growth. She noted that the shea sector remains a vital source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of women whose contributions sustain households and bolster the national economy.
With global demand for shea products rising, she stressed the importance of positioning Ghana to capture greater value through processing, innovation and expanded market access. She further highlighted the role of the 24‑hour economy policy in boosting productivity, creating jobs and strengthening value chains within the sector.
Dr. Opoku‑Agyemang also emphasized environmental sustainability, calling for protection of shea parklands, improved soil fertility and sustained support for farmers across the savannah ecological zones.
While commending progress made, she urged a forward‑looking approach to ensure equitable distribution of benefits, particularly among women who form the backbone of the industry. She expressed confidence that deliberations at SHEA 2026 would 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.
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