Wa (UWR), Feb. 1, GNA - The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has described the newly
launched Shea Park Resource Hub in Wa as a strategic development initiative with the potential to transform the Upper
West Region and contribute significantly to Ghana's economic growth.
Speaking at the official launch of the project in Wa, Mr Bagbin said the hub is designed to revitalise the regional
economy by harnessing the area's abundant natural and human resources and converting them into sustainable
economic opportunities.
He noted that the initiative is guided by a comprehensive development blueprint titled "Revealing Potential Pathways
for Socio-Economic Development, 2025 and Beyond."
Developed through extensive consultations with experts, traditional leaders, government officials and local
communities, the blueprint identifies shea as a major economic growth driver for the Upper West Region.
The strategy positions shea as the nucleus for broader economic development, supported by allied products
including dawadawa, neem, baobab, cotton, legumes, cereals and livestock.
Mr Bagbin stressed that the initiative goes beyond symbolism. "We are not here to impress the world with an
expensive launch to abandon the project. We mean business, and serious business," he said.
He described the Shea Park Resource Hub as a collaborative effort involving government, traditional authorities, the
private sector, development partners and the media.
The Speaker commended President John Dramani Mahama for his strong commitment to the project, noting that the
hub aligns with the President's flagship programmes, including the 24-hour economy, the Big Push and accelerated
export development initiatives.
The hub, he explained, will operate within a 24-hour commercial framework and create employment opportunities for
women, men and young people across the shea value chain-farming, tree planting, harvesting, processing and
marketing.
It will particularly support women in micro, small and medium-scale shea butter processing by addressing challenges
such as energy supply, access to finance, logistics and market access.
The Speaker, however, cautioned that the project's success would depend on sustained commitment.
"If we cut the sod and go to sleep, nothing will change. There is serious work to be done, and the work starts today"
he warned.
A development architect, Professor Mark Addo, presented a motivational video outlining investment opportunities and
proposing the development of a new urban and industrial setting supported by modern infrastructure to stimulate
commercial and industrial activities in the region and Northern Ghana.
He emphasised that the transformation of the Upper West region must be linked to the broader development of
Northern Ghana.
The Wa-Na, Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo, expressed gratitude to the President and the Speaker for rebranding the Upper
West region through the shea hub initiative, which he said would attract investments.
He also appealed for increased infrastructure development for the two universities in the region.
Mr Charles Lwanga Puizuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, described the Shea Park Resource Hub as a landmark
initiative aimed at transforming the shea industry in Ghana.
