BOOSTING THE SHEA-NUT INDUSTRY

Page 7: Daily Graphic, May 16, 2012. FOR a long time, the shea nut industry has remained one of the most neglected sectors of our economy. Until recently, shea nut farmers in the three northern regions were not benefiting from any floor price as pertains in the cocoa industry. And when the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) decided to announce a floor price for the produce as part of the government’s efforts at improving the lot of the pickers and farmers, as well as develop a profitable shea nut industry, the price was so low that the National Association of Shea Nut Farmers, Processors and Buyers raised the alarm bells. That was because the price offered was far too lower than the prevailing open market price and that did not augur well for the players in the industry. When that issue came up last year, the Daily Graphic called on COCOBOD to review the price because offering low prices for a commodity which was priced high on the market was not only a disincentive to the farmers and pickers but also provided fertile grounds for smuggling. We said so with the conviction that the motive for fixing a floor price for shea nut was not to discourage the farmers but encourage others, particularly the youth who often chased non-existent white-collar jobs, to join in the business. Over the years, shea nut farmers in the three northern regions have been going through terrible times, including non-recognition and suffering from snake bites. We believe the shea nut industry remains one basket for economic success and improvement in the lives of the people of the three northern regions. It is a fact that some of us do not appreciate the benefits of shea butter, for which reason we do not attach any importance to the shea nut industry. Shea butter is a medicinal source of healing for burns, sores, dandruff, stretch marks, wrinkles, among many health conditions. It also remains an excellent body lotion during the Harmattan season. Industrially, shea butter is a key ingredient in most cosmetics, moisturising creams, hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair and emulsions. It is also occasionally used in the preparation of chocolate. The Daily Graphic believes the country will benefit greatly from this national asset if we are to invest in it and add value to the produce. That is why we welcome the inauguration by the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, of the GH¢30 million Shea Butter Processing Factory at Buipe in the Northern Region to process 12,000 metric tonnes of shea butter annually. It is also good to know that the Produce Buying Company has already secured a ready market for processed shea butter in Brazil. This should certainly encourage the pickers and farmers to increase productivity. It is also heartening to know that the project is an initiative of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA). For some time now, the pressure has been on the authorities of SADA to up their activities to enable the people of the three northern regions to realise the benefits for which the authority was set up. While urging the management of the new processing plant to adopt prudent practices to ensure efficiency, the Daily Graphic entreats COCOBOD to review the floor price of shea nut to encourage more farmers and pickers to do business with the board.