Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak, Paramount Queenmother of the Sing Traditional Area, has completed a five-day tour across all 11 districts of Ghana's Upper West Region. The tour, from May 17 to May 21, 2026, promoted shea tree conservation and bolstered economic empowerment for women in the shea value chain. This initiative engaged over 2,000 women shea pickers, traditional authorities, and other key stakeholders in 17 communities.
Green Gold Savannah, the project's implementing partner, organised the tour to build grassroots support for the Shea Park Resource Hub Project. This project focuses on safeguarding shea trees and other economically valuable plants. It also encourages the enforcement of local laws against cutting down trees, especially for charcoal production. Charcoal production significantly contributes to the destruction of shea trees in the region.
The Queenmother's tour highlights a broader national effort to balance economic development with environmental sustainability in Ghana. The shea industry is vital to the livelihoods of many women in northern Ghana. It directly contributes to the country's agricultural sector and export earnings. Efforts to protect shea resources align with national goals for sustainable resource management and poverty reduction, particularly among rural women.
Project coordinators described the community engagement as a crucial step. It builds local ownership of the Shea Park Resource Hub Project. They also stated it strengthens collaboration among traditional leaders, local communities, and development partners. The communities themselves proposed several interventions. These included small irrigation dams for year-round farming and vocational training in areas like soap making and weaving. They also requested modern shea butter processing equipment.
The communities appealed for tricycles to improve transporting harvested shea nuts. They also asked for protective equipment to reduce risks during harvesting. Better access to reliable markets for processed shea products was another key request. Women also called for affordable financing options, such as low-interest loans. These would help them expand their businesses and reduce reliance on activities that harm the shea ecosystem.
Traditional authorities and women’s groups expressed gratitude for the support from the Speaker of Parliament and the President of Ghana. They called the project a transformative initiative. It can create sustainable livelihoods while protecting a vital natural resource in northern Ghana. The feedback and recommendations gathered during the tour will guide the next phase of implementation. This ensures community priorities remain central to the project’s rollout. The Shea Park Resource Hub Project aims to boost environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods. It also seeks to strengthen Ghana’s shea value chain through community-led actions and partnerships.