Global Shea Alliance and SheaPark Ambassador Warn of Massive Tree Loss During Shea Day Celebrations in Buipe

The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) and the Forestry Commission of Ghana have issued a stark warning during the 2026 Shea Day celebrations in Buipe, revealing that West Africa is losing approximately eight million shea trees annually. This alarming rate of depletion is attributed to a combination of rapid population growth, agricultural expansion, and the escalating impacts of climate change. The event, co-hosted by the Ambassador to the SheaPark Resource Hub Project, Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak, and the Buipewura Jinapor II, served as a platform to call for immediate and renewed commitment to conserving Ghana’s shea ecosystem, which remains a vital backbone for the sub-region's environment and economy.

Stakeholders, including Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and representatives from various traditional and governmental bodies, emphasized the profound economic significance of the shea industry. The sector is particularly crucial in Northern Ghana, where it supports the livelihoods of thousands of households and serves as a primary source of empowerment for women processors. Dr. Joseph Appiah-Gyapong of the Forestry Commission noted that without intervention, the continued loss of these trees threatens to destabilize local economies and undermine regional food security and environmental health. The GSA highlighted its 'Action for Shea Parklands' initiative as a strategic response to restore these landscapes and promote sustainable farming practices.

In response to these challenges, the SheaPark Resource Hub Project has already begun implementation of restoration efforts, with Ambassador Abdul-Razak announcing the successful planting of over 30,000 shea seedlings in the Upper West Region. The Ambassador emphasized that the survival of the shea industry depends on a collaborative approach involving traditional leaders, community members, and international partners. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques, the project aims to create a sustainable model for shea production that can be replicated across the country.

The celebration concluded with a unified pledge from traditional authorities and government officials to strengthen enforcement against illegal tree felling and to encourage nationwide tree-planting initiatives. As the demand for shea products continues to grow globally, leaders at the event stressed that the future of the industry hinges on the ability to protect current parklands and aggressively reforest degraded areas. The commitment to sustainable practices is seen as a necessary step to ensure that the 'green gold' of the north continues to provide economic and environmental benefits for generations to come.