The PBC Shea Factory in Buipe has officially resumed operations after being dormant for over five years, reigniting hopes for Ghana’s shea industry and aligning with government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Commissioned in 2012, PBC Shea Limited was established to process shea nuts into butter and oil but shut down in 2019 due to operational challenges.
Its revival under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is expected to create jobs, empower women and youth, and stimulate growth across the shea value chain.
Managing Director Alhaji Abubakari Abdul-Mumin has, however, raised concerns about the facility’s sustainability, warning that the unchecked export of raw shea nuts could cripple local processors.
“Across Africa, countries such as Nigeria and Burkina Faso have banned raw nut exports to protect their domestic industries. Ghana must follow suit if we want our processors to thrive,” he cautioned.
Board Chairman Rev. Aaron Fant echoed the appeal, stressing that without a consistent supply of raw nuts, the factory risks operating below capacity.
“We urge government to ban raw nut exports so we can add value locally through semi-finished and finished products. This will create jobs, boost the economy, and yield better returns for Ghana’s shea,” he said.
Although the relaunch comes during the off-season, management says efforts are underway to secure enough supplies until the next harvest.
With a processing capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes annually valued at over US$118 million, the factory could become a game changer for the shea industry.
However, stakeholders insist that without firm government action on raw nut exports, the plant’s long-term viability will remain in doubt.
