Business News of Sunday, 30 March 2014

Source: GNA

Sekaf Ghana to produce biogas from shea butter

Sekaf Ghana Limited, an indigenous producer of TAMA natural cosmetics, is to construct a facility to convert waste bi-products of shea butter into natural gas.

Sekaf Ghana Limited will use the natural gas as substitute to fuel wood to process shea butter into natural cosmetics. The natural gas will also be used to produce fertilizer to serve the local agricultural industry.

Mr Senyo Kpelly, Chief Executive Officer of Sekaf Ghana Limited, said this during the opening of a new office complex for the company that would link it to its raw material.

Mr Kpelly said the move was to protect the environment and ensure sustainability for future generations.

He said research into converting bi-products of shea butter into biogas was almost complete adding that a state-of-the-art natural cosmetic factory would be constructed within the next two years where the biogas would be produced to power its operations.

He said the company had received technical assistance from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development and the Lundin Foundation, a Vancouver-based organization, making it benefit from due diligence financial audit and on-going market research on natural shea butter cosmetics, which were strategic for its success.

He said: All of our shea butter is certified organic and we plan to get organic certification for the finished TAMA product as well as support projects to protect the shea tree for future generations.

Mr Kpelly said using modern business strategies and new equipment would enable the company to be more competitive.

Mr Paul Rochon, Canadian Deputy Minister for International Development, commended Sekaf Ghana Limited for its innovative ideas in rural business development and assured it of Canada’s support.

Mr Alhassan Mohammed Sorogudoo, District Chief Executive of Sagnarigu, commended the initiative and called for more public private partnerships to develop the country’s resources.