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The Golden Gift of the Savannah: The untold story of Shea Nut and Shea Butter
In the vast Savannah of Northern Ghana, where the sun ‘kisses’ the earth stands a tree revered for its economic and cultural significance – the shea tree.
For centuries, the shea nut plucked from this resilient tree, has been the lifeblood of countless women and communities, shaping economies, traditions, and futures across the northern regions of Ghana.
To many women, shea butter is not merely an ingredient in cosmetics and skincare.
It is a symbol of resilience and economic empowerment. This golden treasure provides a sustainable income for women who painstakingly gather, dry, and process the nuts into a rich butter renowned worldwide for its healing and moisturizing properties.
Beyond its nuts, the shea tree produces a sweet, edible fruit packed with vitamins and nutrients. Its pulp is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which boost immunity, aid digestion, and promote overall health.
The fruit, often consumed fresh, serves as an essential source of nourishment for rural communities.
However, the journey from shea nut to shea butter is a laborious process requiring skill, patience, and sheer determination.
Women venture into the wild, walk long distances to collect fallen shea nuts.
After gathering, the nuts are boiled, sun-dried, and cracked open to reveal the kernels. These kernels are then roasted, grinded, and kneaded by hand until the oil separates from the solids, forming the smooth, fragrant butter which is now a staple in beauty and pharmaceutical industries, globally.
Shea butter is not the only valuable product derived from this remarkable tree. The shea nut also yields a highly nutritious cooking oil used traditionally in West African cuisine.
Rich in healthy fats, it promotes heart health and serves as a healthier alternative to palm oil and other cooking oils.
As global interest in natural and sustainable products grows, the demand for shea butter has surged.
Major cosmetic brands have embraced it as a key ingredient in lotions, hair products, and medicinal ointments, thanks to its high concentrations of vitamins A and E and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, the food industry now recognises shea butter as a viable alternative to cocoa butter in chocolate production, further expanding its market value.
Yet, despite its growing international appeal, the shea industry faces significant challenges.
Climate change threatens the sustainability of shea trees, while middlemen and unfair pricing structures often limit the earnings of the women who produce the butter.
However, initiatives promoting fair trade, value addition, and sustainable harvesting practices offer hope for better economic returns for shea producers.
Organisations and cooperatives are working tirelessly to protect the shea tree and enhance the livelihoods of shea butter producers.
By introducing modern processing techniques, offering training programmes, and securing fair trade agreements, these efforts are ensuring that the legacy of shea butter continues to benefit local communities for generations to come.
Maria Johana Yuorpor, one of the women leading this transformation is a dedicated shea butter processor. For over a decade, she has championed quality production while equipping women with the skills to refine and add value to this ‘women’s gold.’
Maria’s journey into the shea butter industry was not one of mere chance but of deep-rooted passion and an unyielding commitment to uplift her community.
Growing up in a region where shea butter was a staple in homes used for cooking, skincare, and medicinal purposes, she witnessed firsthand its potential as a tool for economic empowerment.
Determined to make a difference, she immersed herself in intensive research and training, perfecting her craft to meet international standards.
Over the years, her expertise and commitment to quality production have earned her local and international recognition, shining a spotlight on Upper West shea butter.
According to Maria, the best shea butter comes from the Upper West Region due to the naturally rich and unpolluted environment in which shea trees flourish.
“The climate and soil here give our shea nuts a unique richness, which translates into high-quality butter with superior texture and moisturizing properties as well as the best way of processing it,” she explains.
Maria said, said when she begun understanding the importance of value addition, she started training women in her community on advanced processing techniques, including refining, packaging, and product diversification.
“Today, many of my trainees have expanded beyond producing raw shea butter to crafting soaps, body creams, and essential oils, all tailored for export markets”, she added.
To further enhance the shea industry and support women entrepreneurs, the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) among many organisations has stepped in with training and funding opportunities.
Mrs. Mercy Tuffour, Gender and Safeguarding Specialist in an interview said, KIC through their initiatives were training women on modern techniques in product formulation, branding, and market access, allowing them to elevate their shea-based businesses.
She emphasised the significance of these interventions: “We are committed to equipping women with the skills and resources needed to create high quality shea products that can compete in both local and international markets.
By adding value to raw shea butter, these women are transforming their livelihoods and securing better financial futures, where Northern Ghana becomes the hub of premium shea butter exports, driven by women entrepreneurs, she added.
She also advocated increased investment in shea butter processing facilities and seeks partnerships with global skincare and cosmetic brands to highlight Ghana’s superior shea butter.
As Maria Johana Yuorpor continues her mission, her story serves as an inspiration to many – proof that with passion, knowledge, and resilience, local resources can be transformed into global opportunities, changing lives one shea nut at a time.
Story/Photos from Geoffrey Buta, Nyoli, Upper West
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
