Tamale: Ghana has made history with the establishment of its first large-scale hybrid shea plantation farm at Futa in the Tamale South Constituency, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural sector. The Director of the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, highlighted the transformative potential of this development for the future of Ghana's shea industry.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Otokunor spoke at the opening ceremony of the World Shea Expo 2026 in Tamale, asserting that the project is a crucial step in translating scientific research into practical applications that can drive growth, investment, and job creation within the shea value chain. He noted that the initiative began with Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang planting the first hybrid shea plant in honor of President John Dramani Mahama.
The newly established plantation, named the John Mahama Shea Demonstration Farm, is poised to become a hub for research, innovation, and commercial shea production. Dr. Otokunor emphasized the introduction of a hybrid shea variety developed through research, which significantly reduces the traditional maturity period from between 20 and 30 years to just three years.
This shortened maturity period is expected to revolutionize shea production in Ghana by attracting more young people and investors to the industry, while ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials for processors and exporters. Dr. Otokunor disclosed that the demonstration farm spans 30 acres of land acquired at no cost to the state and will serve various purposes beyond cultivation.
The farm is intended to be a site for research and development, as well as a heritage location and anchor for Shea Tourism in Ghana. To ensure sustainability, a Technical Management Committee will be established to oversee operations, hosted by the West African Centre for Shea Innovation and Research at the University for Development Studies. The committee will include representatives from key institutions such as CRIG, TCDA, traditional authorities, and PIAA.
Dr. Otokunor described this initiative as part of a larger effort to reposition Ghana's shea industry as a competitive global sector that can generate jobs, attract investment, and increase export earnings. He highlighted that women and youth are central to this vision, noting that over one million people are engaged in the shea value chain and will benefit from innovations that enhance productivity and value addition.
The World Shea Expo 2026, themed 'From Local Commodity to Global Brand: Accelerating Women and Youth-led Value Addition in Shea,' has drawn thousands of participants from Ghana and abroad, including investors, exporters, development partners, researchers, and policymakers. Dr. Otokunor emphasized that the launch of the hybrid plantation symbolizes the potential achievements when research, policy, and investment align to create future opportunities.
"This year we are not just showcasing products and innovation; we are showcasing potential, demonstrating that Ghana is ready to lead," Dr. Otokunor stated.