Ghana to ban export of raw shea nut by 2026 – Dr Peter Otokunor

The government has announced plans to implement a phased ban on the export of raw shea nuts by 2026, aimed at boosting local processing and enhancing value addition in the country’s shea industry.

This was disclosed by the Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 World Shea Expo on July 9, 2025, Dr Otokunor said the new policy forms part of a broader initiative by the Mahama-led administration to address long standing structural weaknesses in the agriculture sector and transition Ghana from a raw material exporter to a producer of value- added goods.

“By 2026, the government will roll out a phased ban on the export of raw shea nuts. This is a bold step toward strengthening our agro-industrial base and increasing export revenues,” he stated.

He emphasised that the move will create new growth opportunities for local processors and position them to compete globally.

“This ban will allow local processors to scale up operations, build capacity, and develop export-ready brands that can command higher prices internationally. The shea tree is a strategic resource for Ghana, and its long maturity period underscores the need for sustainable management,” he added

According to him, once fully operational, the revamped facility will have an initial capacity to process over 60 metric tonnes of shea nuts annually, with the potential to scale up to 180,000 metric tonnes under continuous operation.

LINK: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Ghana-to-ban-export-of-raw-shea-nut-by-2026-Dr-Peter-Otokunor-1991035