The Ghana Export-Import Bank says it has secured ten million cedis for the first phase of its Shea Empowerment Initiative.
The Initiative seeks to train 400 women in shea processing from four selected districts of the Northern Region.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Export-Import Bank, Lawrence Agyinsam in an interview with Citi Business News said the initiative forms part of government’s flagship program, one district, one factory.
He also confirms that the bank will provide safety tools to 1,200 shea collectors in the North. He adds that the initiative seeks to develop the capacity of women in the shea value chain.
“In view of the size of the market, and the potential that it has globally, we went to seek for approval of 10million Ghana cedis to be able to invest in the share industry. With that we hope to support about 1,600 women and if every household depend on the women in every household, the income that will go to the various homes will support the families of these women”.
It is stated that some of the challenges facing the Shea industry include quality standards certifications, access to technology, access to markets, access to finance, packaging as well as logistics.
Under the shea empowerment initiative, 1,200 women will be grouped and trained for shea collection. They are expected to receive 10ghc a day while in training as well as the provision of hunters lamp, safety boots and gloves.
Each district will be given a tricycle for collection while 600 snake vaccines will be provided to the district hospitals.
Mr Agyinsam says the program will hasten the development of rural economies in Ghana.
