Shea Butter Producers in Kaleo Appeals for Market Access and Employment Support Amid Rising Hardship

File Photo

Residents of Kaleo in Ghana’s Upper West Region are calling on government and private sector stakeholders to bolster their local economy through support for the community’s shea butter industry and the creation of new employment opportunities. The appeal comes amid escalating economic challenges faced by residents, particularly among women and youth.

Baka Aye Rebecca, a seasoned shea butter producer, emphasized that for decades, women in Kaleo have relied on shea butter trade as a vital source of income to support their families. Despite producing high-quality products and investing in equipment like grinding machines, the women face significant difficulties due to the absence of a reliable market for their produce. Rebecca urged authorities to facilitate market access and provide institutional support to sustain this long-standing livelihood.

Madam Mwintuo Rubby, a resident of Kaleo also speaking to Info Radio highlighted the growing unemployment crisis among the youth, noting that many young applicants seeking recruitment into security services have been unsuccessful. She warned that the lack of employment opportunities risks pushing young people toward negative activities, including crime and other antisocial behaviors. Rubby called on the government to expand job creation initiatives and reduce costs associated with farming inputs such as fertilizers and tractor services, to empower more youth to engage in agriculture.