The Wa East based Bimbu-Meyiri Foundation has received a major recognition at the 2026 Shea Expo press launch held in Wa for its outstanding innovation and creativity in shea nut picking and processing.
The foundation, an initiative of the Member of Parliament for Wa East, Hon. Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw was praised for its contribution towards improving shea production and enhancing the economic livelihoods of women in the district.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama at the event, Dr Peter Otokonor, Director at the Presidency in charge of Special Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, commended the foundation for its impactful work. As part of the support package, he presented a tricycle and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the women’s group to boost their operations.
The event came alive as members of the Bimbu-Meyiri Foundation sang songs of praise in appreciation of Dr Jasaw’s leadership and commitment to women’s empowerment in Wa East.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Jasaw, who also serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Export Development Authority, urged the group to intensify their efforts and encouraged other women’s groups to emulate their example.
He further charged them to process at least 50 per cent of the shea nuts they pick for export, in line with President Mahama’s vision of promoting value addition in Ghana’s shea industry. He thanked the President for honoring a promise made at the World Shea Expo 2025 in table by providing PPEs to protect the women shea collectors from injuries and snake bites as well as a tricycle to ease the burden of carrying heavy loads.
Dr. Jasaw informed the durbar that Ghana is currently attracting 70% of the global shea trade value of 6.4bn dollars and invited the youth and entrepreneurs to venture into the shea value chain for a more aggressive export drive.
He called on Ghana Export Promotions Authority, Ghana EXIM and other stakeholders to be deliberate about utilizing the shea resource for a further growth in Ghana’s Non traditional export which saw a 30.7% growth in 2025.
He called on all to support the upcoming World Shea Expo 2026 to be held this August in Tamale.
