Dr Andy Osei Okrah (R) with His Royal Majesty N-Dan Ya-Na Abukari II (L)
The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) CEO, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, has renewed his call for stronger collaboration with traditional leaders to end activities threatening the sustainability of Ghana’s shea industry.
According to the CEO, this forms part of a broader strategy aligned with President H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s economic reset agenda, which seeks to reposition the shea sector as a major driver of national development. He made the remarks after a courtesy call on the King of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty N-Dan Ya-Na Abukari II, to formally introduce himself following his appointment.
The visit also sought to strengthen collaboration with the Dagbon Traditional Council to develop strategic measures to protect the shea industry.
Dr Okrah emphasized that the indiscriminate cutting of shea trees and rampant bushfires continue to pose a major threat to the sector’s sustainability and economic potential. He appealed to the King and traditional authorities to support TCDA’s campaign to protect the shea tree and preserve livelihoods.
In response, His Royal Majesty N-Dan Ya-Na Abukari II pledged his full support and assured Dr Okrah of his readiness to mobilise chiefs and communities for a grassroots campaign, such as a durbar, to intensify community education.
“The shea industry is part of our heritage and a critical source of livelihood for our people. We must work together to protect it for future generations,” the King stated.
Dr Okrah also held discussions with the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Sugri Muniry, on strategies to tackle the sector’s challenges and strengthen its contribution to Ghana’s economy.
Delivering his closing remarks at the 2025 World Shea Expo in Tamale, Dr Okrah underscored the need for collective action among stakeholders.
“This is the time to act decisively. We need government agencies, development partners, value chain actors, researchers, and traditional authorities to work hand in hand to protect the shea tree and unlock the full economic potential of this sector,” he said.
The TCDA’s renewed strategy directly supports President Mahama’s economic reset agenda, which seeks to transform the shea industry into a multi-billion-dollar driver of growth, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings.
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