President Mahama wants $10m Buipe Sheanut Factory revitalised

President John D. Mahama has called for urgent action regarding the struggling sheanut factory in Buipe. He emphasized the need for accountability and revitalization of the US$10 million agribusiness facility.

Additionally, President Mahama addressed the crisis at the Produce Buying Company (PBC). He urged a full audit and prosecution where necessary.

During a visit from the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE), he stressed the need for a reset this year. This would help ensure fair prices for farmers, maintaining at least 70% of the producer price. He also called for incentives and better farming methods to attract more people to the sector.

The Buipe Sheanut Factory was established in 2012. It is a joint venture between the Government of Ghana and Sysgate Brazil Limited. The factory was designed to market sheanut butter in Brazil. Butter from northern Ghana would be transported via Volta Lake to Tema port before export to Santos, Brazil.

The factory aimed to add value to sheanuts and create jobs in the Savannah region. It particularly focused on supporting women who work hard in this industry. However, little was done by former President Nana Akufo-Addo's government despite promoting the One-District, One-Factory initiative.

A 2004 USAID report indicated that about 48% of sheanuts in Savannah remained uncollected and underutilized. This was due to a lack of market access and associated risks. The Savannah region has an annual production capacity of 200,000 tonnes of sheanuts.