By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, May 8, GNA – The Wa East-based Bimbu-Meyiri Foundation has been recognised for its outstanding innovation and creativity in shea nut picking and processing at the 2026 Shea Expo held in Wa on Thursday.
The Foundation, an initiative of Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa East, was praised for its contribution to improving shea production and enhancing the economic livelihoods of women in the district.
A press release issued by Dr. Jasaw to the Ghana News Agency on Friday said, “The recognition highlights the growing role of women-led cooperatives in positioning Ghana as a leader in the global shea industry.”
It said representing President John Dramani Mahama at the event, Dr. Peter Otokonor, Director at the Presidency in charge of Special Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, commended the foundation for its impactful work.
“As part of the support package, he presented a tricycle and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the women’s group to boost their operations and improve safety,” the release said.
It noted that the ceremony was marked by celebration as members of the Bimbu-Meyiri Foundation sang songs of praise in appreciation of Dr. Jasaw’s leadership and commitment to women’s empowerment in Wa East.
Speaking at the event, the release quoted Dr. Jasaw, who also serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Export Development Authority, as “urging the group to intensify their efforts and encouraged other women’s groups to emulate their example.”
“He charged them to process at least 50 per cent of the shea nuts they pick for export, in line with President Mahama’s vision of promoting value addition in Ghana’s shea industry,” it added.
It said the MP thanked the President for fulfilling a promise made at the World Shea Expo 2025 by providing PPEs to protect women shea collectors from injuries and snake bites, as well as a tricycle to ease the burden of transporting heavy loads.
Dr. Jasaw also informed the gathering that Ghana currently accounts for 70 per cent of the global shea trade, valued at $6.4 billion, and invited the youth and entrepreneurs to venture into the shea value chain for a more aggressive export drive.
It called on the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana EXIM Bank, and other stakeholders to be deliberate about utilising the shea resource to further grow Ghana’s non-traditional exports, which saw a 30.7 per cent increase in 2025.
It concluded by urging all stakeholders to support the upcoming World Shea Expo 2026, scheduled for August in Tamale.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Elsie Appiah-Osei
[email protected]