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The Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr Julius Debrah, has led a symbolic shea tree planting ceremony at the Jubilee House to mark the beginning of Shea Month, reaffirming government’s commitment to the sustainable development and growth of Ghana’s shea industry.
The ceremony, which brought together key stakeholders in the agriculture and export sectors, saw Dr Julius Debrah plant the first shea tree as a symbol of renewal, resilience and the country’s determination to harness the full potential of its natural resources.
The event was attended by the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, Hon. Goosie Tanoh; Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andy Osei Okrah; and the Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance, Mr Aaron Adu.
Dr Julius Debrah said the initiative reflected government’s broader vision of transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector by promoting value addition, creating economic opportunities and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for citizens.
He explained that investing in the shea industry goes beyond the planting of trees, as it represents an investment in rural communities, especially women who form a critical part of the shea value chain.
According to him, the growth of the shea sector remains essential to Ghana’s efforts to build a resilient economy driven by local resources and increased export opportunities.
The Chief of Staff noted that the initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to strengthen the country’s tree crops sector and unlock new avenues for economic development.
He stressed that Ghana must move beyond exporting raw commodities and focus on creating value from its agricultural products to improve incomes and enhance national competitiveness.
“By investing in the shea tree, we are investing in women, rural communities and a future where Ghana leads with value, not just volume,” he said.
The Shea Month celebration is expected to draw attention to the importance of shea production, promote sustainable management of shea resources and encourage increased investment in the sector.
The government believes that a stronger shea industry will contribute significantly to job creation, poverty reduction and economic empowerment, particularly among women in shea-producing communities.
The tree planting ceremony, therefore, marked not only the start of Shea Month but also a renewed commitment to building a sustainable and prosperous future through one of Ghana’s most valuable agricultural resources.
