The PBC Shea Factory in Buipe has resumed operations after years of dormancy, raising hopes of boosting Ghana’s shea industry and supporting the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
However, concerns over raw material supply threaten to slow progress.
Commissioned in 2012, the state-owned PBC Shea Limited was established to process shea nuts into butter and oil. The plant shut down in 2019 due to operational challenges.
Now revived under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, the facility is expected to create jobs and open up new opportunities for youth and women.
Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakari Abdul-Mumin, warned that Ghana risks losing its competitive edge unless the government urgently bans the export of raw shea nuts.
He noted that several African countries, including Nigeria and Burkina Faso, have already restricted raw shea exports to protect local processing industries.
“Across Africa, countries have banned the exportation of shea nuts, and it is crucial for Ghana to follow suit to prevent a rush for the nuts that could negatively impact our local industry,” he said.
Board Chairman, Rev. Aaron Fant, echoed the call, stressing that the factory’s sustainability depends on consistent access to raw materials.
He acknowledged that the relaunch coincides with the off-season but assured that management is working to secure enough supplies to keep operations going until the next harvest.
“Our appeal to the government is to ban the exportation of raw nuts so that we can add value by processing them and exporting semi-finished or finished products. This will ultimately create jobs, boost the economy, and yield better returns for our shea,” Rev. Fant said.
With a processing capacity of up to 150,000 metric tons annually, valued at over $118 million, the factory’s success could significantly transform the shea value chain. But without a reliable supply of raw nuts, its long-term sustainability remains uncertain.
