Mahama calls for audit into Buipe sheanut factory

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a full audit of the Buipe Sheanut Factory, which has ceased operations, citing financial mismanagement under the previous administration.

Speaking during a meeting with the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE), President Mahama accused the Nana Addo-led government of misusing the factory’s US$10 million capital and selling off sheanut stock that could have sustained production.

“The factory was running well. It had capital, it had stock of sheanut, it was processing when the change of government happened. The new administration not only spent the capital but also sold the stock of sheanut and used up the proceeds. After exhausting both, the factory had to shut down, leading to job losses,” he said.

The Buipe Sheanut Factory, established in 2012 through a joint venture between the Government of Ghana and Sysgate Brazil Limited, was meant to add value to sheanut processing and create employment opportunities, particularly for women in the Savannah Region.

President Mahama emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable, stressing that if the factory had been privately managed, it would not have collapsed.

“I agree that we must audit that factory, identify those responsible for the financial loss to the state, and bring them to book,” he stated.

The directive comes amid broader efforts by the government to revive key agribusiness facilities and ensure accountability in public resource management.