Mastercard Foundation incollaboration with Global Shea Alliance has Commissioned a new Shea Processing Factory at Nwodua, a community under the Kumbugu District of the Northern Region.

The factory which has been handed over to ‘Bori Bi Jeri Suli’ women group in the Nwodua Community aims at enhancing the production of Shea butter and other products of Shea within the Community.

The fully furnished and equipped facility comes with Milling machines, Mechanised roasters and other tools intended for the smooth operation of the factory.

The Shea Business Empowerment Program (SBEP) is implemented by the Global Shea Alliance and it’s partners to transform the ad-hoc and informal work of women collectors and SMEs in the Shea value chain across Northern Ghana.

Through integrated interventions, SBEP is targeting to create about 90,000 women into dignified and fulfilling job opportunities in Northern Ghana.

Managing Director for Global Shea Alliance, Mr Aaron Adu revealed that, ‘Bori Bi Jeri Suli Shea Processing Factory’ would make way for Shea processors to shift from the existing ways of Shea butter production to adopt a more technologically approved processing to enhance quality and profitability in the Shea industry.

The Bori Bi Jeri Suli Shea Processing Factory also has a comfortable Creche block to enable Children of Staff of the factory to get the quality of Early childhood education.

Communities to benefit from the factory are Nwodua,Napagyili,Kpilo,Kochim Zonaayili and other communities in the Kumbugu District.

Country Programme Impact, Mastercard Foundation, Madam Mine Pabari said the factory was specifically planned for the Community Shea Pickers and processors.

According to her, it was a testament of their partnership commitment to prioritise and empower rural young women to unlock opportunities in the Shea value chain.

Today, we take important step towards demonstrating our appreciation for their hardwork by providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

Secretary to ‘Bori Bi Jeri Suli’ Cooperative Shea Processing Factory, Mrs. Zakaria Fatimah, expressed gratitude to Mastercard Foundation, Global Shea Alliance and other partners for their support towards promoting shea activities in the Kumbugu District.

Mrs. Zakaria was optimistic the factory would empower women more economically and support to reduce family conflict,especially domestic violence and also to reduce Kayayies in the communities which was attributed to Poverty.

Story By: Shahadu Shamsudeen