The Ghana Shea Employers Association applauded the government’s decision to curb the export of raw shea nuts, noting the policy has already boosted the supply of raw nuts for domestic processors.
Rabiatu Abukari, the association’s president, cautioned that a total ban could backfire if local processors lack the capacity to absorb all the nuts produced in Ghana.
She proposed that the government allow only 20 % to 30 % of raw shea nuts to be exported, rather than the current 60 % or more, and suggested that exporters purchase locally processed shea products for further value addition.
Abukari warned that large volumes of raw nuts leaving the country would undermine local businesses and threaten the livelihoods of women who depend on the sector.
She added, “Other than that, the way the shea nuts have been exported, our business will collapse. And this is the women’s business, and that is how the women are taking care of their children and sending them to school.”
