Kperisi (UWR), Sept. 10, GNA - The Sunbawiera Sheanuts and Sheabutter Producers Association in the Upper West Region, has appealed to the government to facilitate good prices for their produce. The association, which is based at Kperisi, a farming community in the Wa Municipality, made the appeal at a forum to discuss ways of improving the quality of their produce.

The members said the current price of GH¢20 per 85 kilogram's of their yield was too low and did not give farmers the motivation to invest in the cash crop, taking into consideration the snake bites and other risks involved in picking the sheanut. Alhaji Iddrisu Adams, an opinion leader in the community and a member of the association noted that in the past shea trees were destroyed for farming and charcoal production. However, many people had seen the economic importance of the crop through public sensitization.

"We have now (Association) made it an offence for anybody to cut down a shea tree and if the government takes keen interest in the development of the Industry, we shall also reciprocate by establishing shea plantations", he said.

Madam Araba Abu, a spokeswoman for the association urged the government not to renege in its commitment to establish an Authority to oversee the regulation of the shea nut industry. She appealed to the government to supply members with Wellington boots, gloves and tarpaulins to facilitate their work. Alhaji Imoru Ayittey, Chairman of the association said sheanut and sheabutter producers were poor and vulnerable, hence the need for the authorities to give the industry serious attention to better their lot. Mr. Haruna Morrie Regional Trade and Industry officer said his sector Ministry was studying the business plan of the association to offer members the needed assistance. 10 Sept. 09