TCDA and Northern Regional Minister drive women’s economic empowerment in shea butter industry

The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) is intensifying efforts to boost women’s economic empowerment through strategic support for the shea butter industry. 

In a bid to strengthen the sector and create more job opportunities, the Acting CEO of TCDA, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, paid a courtesy visit to the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, to discuss policies and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth.

During the engagement, Dr. Okrah reaffirmed TCDA’s commitment to providing technical assistance, market linkages, and policy advocacy for the shea industry. “Women play a vital role in the shea sector, and our objective is to help them scale up their businesses, access better markets, and enhance their livelihoods,” he stated.

Ali Adolf John lauded TCDA’s initiative and emphasized the need for stronger public-private partnerships to unlock the full potential of the shea sector. He acknowledged shea butter as a critical economic asset for the Northern Region and assured TCDA of the region’s support in advancing the industry.

As part of the visit, the TCDA delegation toured the Yumzaa Shea Butter Processing Center, a leading facility in Tamale that employs over 240 women, constituting 90% of its workforce. The company has embraced the government’s 24-hour economy policy to expand production and meet increasing market demands. Madam Zakaria Adam, CEO of Yumzaa Shea Butter, highlighted the initiative’s impact, stating, “By running 24-hour shifts, we are not only increasing our output but also creating more employment opportunities for women in the region. This allows us to expand into export markets and improve livelihoods.”

Dr. Okrah praised the factory’s efforts and reaffirmed TCDA’s dedication to supporting women-led businesses by improving access to financing and facilitating trade opportunities. “Women are the backbone of the shea industry, and their empowerment is crucial to driving Ghana’s agricultural transformation. TCDA will continue working with partners to provide the necessary resources and training to help them thrive,” he assured.

The Northern Region remains a major hub for shea butter production in Ghana, with thousands of women engaged in processing and trade. 

However, persistent challenges such as limited access to financing, fluctuating market prices, and inadequate processing facilities continue to hinder the industry’s full potential. TCDA’s intervention seeks to address these barriers, positioning the shea sector as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment.