Accra, July 31, GNA - Ghana Trades and Livelihood Coalition (GTLC), a nationwide advocacy organization striving for agriculture and trade justice, has appealed to two Select Committees in Parliament to use their oversight responsibilities to help to secure a budgetary allocation in the 2011 budget to transform the shea sector into a strong economic entity.

The Parliamentary Select Committees on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, and Trade and Industry, are also suppose to facilitate the development of a comprehensive policy framework for the shea industry as well as the creation of a dedicated agency for the development of shea research, production, processing and marketing.

Mr Ibrahim Akalbila, the Coordinator of GTLC, who made the demands at

a meeting with the parliamentarians recently in Accra, said the shea sector needed a comprehensive policy framework and strategy to regulate research, production and marketing of nuts for local industry and export.

He indicated that such as a policy must define and set targets and guarantee funds for the undertaking of research and also support the training of women pickers and processors.

Market for sheanut has grown by 25 per cent, mostly due to the

influence of China.

In rural communities, the average price of a ton of sheanuts has more

than doubled from GH¢112.5 in 2003 to GH¢250 per ton in 2008.

It is estimated that Ghana has the potential to produce 200,000 tons

of sheanut annually, but only about 130,000 tons is collected. Out of

the figure, 70,000 tons is consumed while 60,000 tons is exported in the

form of shea kernels and shea butter.

Mr Akalbila said an estimated 60 percent of sheanut was left in the

bush uncollected because of the difficulties faced by pickers, who are

usually bitten by snakes. He therefore called for government funding for a

guaranteed minimum price and market for shea.

Chief Moses Youni, President of the Sheanut Pickers, Gatherers and

Processors Association, called for financial support for local pickers

and buyers and guaranteed price to avoid exploitation by middlemen.

Alhaji Amadu Sorgho, Member of Parliament for Madina-Abokobi, said the gestation period for the shea was a big disincentive and called for

intensified research to reduce the maturing period.

The tree currently grows in the wild and takes an average of about 15

years to start bearing fruits.

He said with good organization, the shea industry could create jobs and reduce the rural-urban drift, especially from the three Northern

regions.

Alhaji Sorgho called on COCOBOD to make conscious effort to help

promote the interest in the cultivation of shea and improve yield.