The Government of Ghana has announced plans to implement a phased ban on the export of raw shea nuts by 2026, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at boosting local processing and maximising returns from the country’s shea industry.
This strategic shift was unveiled by the Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, during the official launch of the 2025 World Shea Expo.
“By 2026, the government will implement a phased ban on the export of raw shea nuts,” Dr Otokunor stated. “Ghana must move from being a raw material exporter to a nation of value-added exports.”
He described the initiative as a bold structural correction designed to position Ghana as a competitive player in the global shea value chain, enabling the country to earn significantly more from its natural resources.
Dr Otokunor stressed that the new policy would empower local processors to scale operations, enhance quality, and build strong export-ready brands.
“This ban will allow local processors to expand, build capacity, and create brands that command premium prices in the international market,” he said.
He also highlighted the environmental importance of the shea tree, noting that unlike fast-growing firewood species, shea trees take around 20 years to mature and must be treated as a strategic national asset rather than a disposable commodity.
As part of government efforts to enhance domestic processing capacity, Dr Otokunor announced the rehabilitation of the Buipe Shea Processing Factory in northern Ghana.
Once dormant, the factory is now undergoing restoration and, when fully operational, is expected to process up to 60,000 metric tonnes of shea nuts annually — with the potential to scale up to 180,000 metric tonnes under a 24-hour economy model.
The revitalised facility is projected to generate between 300 to 1,000 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect jobs, particularly for women and smallholder cooperatives across the five northern regions.
The announcement comes ahead of the 2025 World Shea Expo, which aims to convene industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and smallholder actors to discuss the future of Ghana’s shea sector and leverage opportunities for inclusive growth.
Ghana is one of the world’s leading producers of shea nuts, but exporting them in raw form has long deprived the country of the full economic value of the crop, with foreign processors reaping most of the profit.
The phased ban is therefore seen as a step toward reversing that trend—creating jobs, boosting local enterprise, and enhancing foreign exchange earnings through value-added exports like shea butter, cosmetics, and industrial products.
As Dr Otokunor noted, “The shea industry has the potential to transform communities, especially in northern Ghana. We must process more, export better, and keep value in Ghana.”
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