The Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John Mburidiba has officially launched the Shea 2026 Conference, which is aimed at promoting collaboration with Ghana's 24-Hour Economy initiative. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy meant to enhance productivity, create jobs, and encourage industries and services to operate continuously. During the launch event held in Tamale, the minister emphasized that the shea industry could significantly contribute to tackling essential developmental issues such as women empowerment, food security, and the industrialization of the region.

Mburidiba pointed out that the Northern Region of Ghana is not only rich in shea trees but is also home to dedicated women and communities who play a crucial role in sustaining this vital natural value chain in West Africa. He underscored the importance of these communities’ knowledge, labor, and resilience in driving the shea industry forward. The launch of the Shea 2026 Conference is viewed as a serious commitment to elevating the shea sector, fostering cross-border partnerships, and integrating the regional economy more closely with national objectives.

The conference aims to create an actionable framework that connects various stakeholders within the shea value chain, thereby facilitating better communication, resource sharing, and ultimately driving up productivity and profits in the sector. By aligning the shea industry with the goals of a 24-hour economy, the Ghanaian government hopes not only to leverage the potential of this sector for local development but also to set a standard for other industries to follow, displaying how traditional resources can be revitalized as part of modern economic strategies.