Ghana to ban raw shea nut exports by 2026
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Government of Ghana has announced a policy shift aimed at transforming the shea industry by banning the export of raw shea nuts by 2026.
The move, part of the Mahama administration’s industrialisation drive, is designed to stimulate local processing, enhance value addition, and increase Ghana’s share of global shea revenues.
The announcement was made by the Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, at the official press launch of the 2025 World Shea Expo, held in Tamale.
Ending Raw Exports to Boost Value Addition
According to Dr. Otokunor, the new policy will be implemented in phases and will be critical in correcting structural imbalances in the agricultural value chain.
“The Mahama-led administration is taking bold policy steps to correct structural imbalances in the sector. By 2026, the government will implement a phased ban on the export of raw shea nuts. Ghana must move from being a raw material exporter to a nation of value-added exports,” Dr. Otokunor stated.
He noted that for decades Ghana’s shea sector has operated below its economic potential, with the country exporting large quantities of raw nuts while missing out on lucrative global markets for processed shea butter, cosmetics, and other high-value derivatives.
“This ban will allow local processors to expand, build capacity, and develop export-ready brands that capture higher earnings in the international market,” he stressed.
Revamping the Shea Processing Landscape
As part of the broader government strategy, Dr. Otokunor announced that rehabilitation works are underway at the Buipe Shea Processing Factory, a facility once considered a cornerstone of industrialisation efforts in northern Ghana but which had fallen into disrepair.
“Once a key industrial asset for northern Ghana, the factory was neglected for years. Today, rehabilitation efforts are underway to revamp its operations. When fully operational, it will have the capacity to process over 60 metric tonnes of shea nuts annually, and can peak at 180,000 metric tonnes under a 24-hour operation,” he revealed.
According to him, the revitalized factory will serve as a critical hub for processing and value addition in the shea sector, while also supporting employment and cooperative development in surrounding communities.
“It can create between 300 and 1,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs. This has the potential to anchor a network of smallholder cooperatives across the five regions,” he said.
Protecting a Strategic Natural Resource
Dr. Otokunor stressed that the shea tree is a strategic national asset that must be protected and utilized sustainably.
He highlighted that the tree, which takes nearly two decades to reach full maturity, is not a renewable firewood source and should not be exploited indiscriminately.
“The shea tree is not merely a source of income; it is an ecological and economic treasure. It must be preserved and invested in wisely,” Dr. Otukunor warned.
Global Stakeholders Eye Ghana’s Shea Potential
The announcement comes ahead of the World Shea Expo 2025, which is expected to draw local and international stakeholders, including policymakers, agribusiness investors, research institutions, and development partners.
The Expo will serve as a platform to showcase opportunities in the sector and align investment with the government’s vision to establish Ghana as a regional leader in shea processing and exports.
Conclusion
The phased ban on raw shea nut exports represents a significant turning point in Ghana’s agri-industrial strategy and aligns with the government’s broader objective to diversify exports, increase foreign exchange earnings, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Industry watchers say if implemented effectively, the move could reposition Ghana on the global shea map, not just as a source of raw material, but as a center of high-quality locally processed shea products with strong export potential.
