Professor Emmanuel K. Derbile, Vice Chancellor of SDD-University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), emphasised the need for concerted efforts to protect shea trees for future generations. Recognising their significant economic and medicinal value, he called for a community-based approach to safeguarding the shea landscape, with effective leadership and stakeholder commitment.
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The Importance of Shea Trees
Speaking at the 2025 Shea Day Celebration in Sankana, Nadowli-Kaleo District, Professor Derbile underscored the vital role the shea industry plays in environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, and economic development. The event, organised by the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), also marked the launch of the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project (GSLERP), which aims to plant 3.5 million shea trees across northern Ghana.
Policy and Protection for Sustainability
While celebrating the efforts to plant shea trees, Prof. Derbile urged the establishment of a deliberate policy framework to protect the shea landscape. “To achieve sustainability beyond this launch, we need to ensure proper mechanisms for taking care of the trees,” he said. He also highlighted the contributions of SDD-UBIDS, which has planted 8,000 tree seedlings, including shea, with plans for further planting.
Commitment to Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment
Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, pledged parliamentary support for the GSLERP. In a speech delivered by Prof. Damasus Tuurosung, Mr. Bagbin emphasised that the project would contribute to Ghana’s climate resilience while also empowering rural women economically and promoting sustainable land management.
Collaboration for a Greener Future
Dr. Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of Environment and Climate at UNDP, expressed optimism about the shea tree’s potential to boost Ghana’s economic growth. He encouraged further collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities to protect the shea landscape. Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Minister of the Upper West Region, also reiterated that the initiative would complement the government’s efforts in restoring degraded lands and combating climate change.
A Call to Action for Shea Tree Protection
Madam Portia Alale, Vice President of the Sankana Co-operative Association, highlighted the growing issue of charcoal burning, which poses a threat to the shea tree despite its numerous benefits. She urged individuals and organisations to take immediate action to protect the shea tree from destruction.
