Sheapark Resource Hub to Drive Economic Transformation in Ghana – Speaker Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has described the Sheapark Resource Hub as a strategic development pathway capable of transforming the Upper West Region and contributing significantly to Ghana’s overall economic growth.

Speaking at the official launch of the Sheapark Resource Hub in Wa Mr. Bagbin noted that the initiative seeks to revive the economy of the Upper West Region by unlocking its abundant natural resources and human potential and converting them into sustainable economic opportunities.

Speaker Bagbin explained that the project is guided by a comprehensive development blueprint titled “Revealing Potential Pathways for Socio-Economic Development, 2025 and Beyond.”

The blueprint, developed through consultations with experts, traditional leaders, government officials and ordinary citizens, identifies shea as a major growth driver, supported by allied products such as dawadawa, neem, baobab, cotton, legumes, cereals and livestock.

He noted that the plan identifies shea as a major driver of growth for the region, supported by other valuable resources such as dawadawa, neem, baobab, cotton, legumes, cereals and livestock, which together present strong prospects for value addition and industrial development.

According to the Speaker, the blueprint outlines how shea can serve as a nucleus for accelerated economic growth in the Upper West Region and Northern Ghana.

 It also highlights investment opportunities and proposes the development of a new urban setting, supported by modern infrastructure, to promote commercial and industrial activities.

He stressed that the Sheapark Resource Hub is not intended to be a symbolic project, but one designed to deliver tangible results through sustained commitment and action.

Speaker Bagbin further noted that the initiative is a collaborative effort involving government, traditional authorities, the private sector, development partners and the media, emphasizing that shared responsibility will be critical to its success.

He commended President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support for the project, describing him as a key driver of the vision behind the Sheapark initiative. He said the hub aligns with the President’s flagship programmes, including the 24-hour economy, the Big Push and accelerated export development, all aimed at building a self-reliant, industrially competitive and export-driven Ghanaian economy.

The Speaker explained that the hub will operate within a 24-hour commercial framework, creating employment and income opportunities for women, men and young people in activities such as farming, tree planting, harvesting, processing and marketing of shea and other products.

He noted that the initiative will be particularly beneficial to women engaged in micro, small and medium-scale shea butter processing, helping them address persistent challenges related to energy supply, financing, logistics and access to markets.

However, Speaker Bagbin cautioned that the success of the project will depend on sustained implementation beyond the launch.

“If we cut the sod and go to sleep, nothing will change. There is serious work to be done and the work starts today,” he noted.

He emphasized that concrete action and continuous effort are required to translate the vision of the Sheapark Resource Hub into factories, jobs and long-term economic growth for the region and the country.