GSEA Adopts Constitution and Elects Leadership
In a significant milestone for Ghana’s shea industry, the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) with support from the ILO Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work in Ghana Project, successfully facilitated the adoption of a constitution and the election of leadership for the newly established Ghana Shea Employers Association (GSEA). The event, held on September 5, 2024, at the Nim Avenue Hotel in Tamale, brought together over 75 key players from the shea value chain, including producers, processors, and exporters. These industry stakeholders came together with a common goal – to strengthen the shea sector and ensure its sustainable growth.
Constitution Adoption and Leadership Election
During the workshop, participants meticulously reviewed and adopted a comprehensive constitution that will govern the activities of the GSEA. This constitution outlines the vision, mission, and operational framework of the association, serving as a guiding document to promote best practices and foster collaboration across the shea value chain.
Following the adoption of the constitution, members of the association elected leaders who will spearhead GSEA’s activities over the next two years. This newly formed leadership team, comprising experienced professionals from diverse segments of the shea industry, is expected to provide strategic direction and drive initiatives that align with the association’s mission of enhancing productivity, promoting decent work, and improving the livelihoods of workers in the shea sector. The elected executives include:
Significance of the GSEA Initiative
The establishment of the GSEA is a critical development in the shea industry, a sector that plays a vital role in the economies of northern Ghana. Shea, known for its economic and social significance, is a major non-timber forest product in the region and is a key source of livelihood for many rural communities, particularly women who dominate its collection and processing. The formation of GSEA provides a unified voice for stakeholders in the shea value chain, facilitating coordinated efforts to address industry challenges and tap into opportunities for growth.
Through GSEA, industry players will benefit from increased access to capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and policy advocacy. The association will also focus on fostering partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and international stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and market access for shea products.
Looking Ahead: The Official Launch of GSEA
The official launch of the Ghana Shea Employers Association is scheduled for mid-November 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for the shea industry in Ghana. This launch will not only formalize the association’s role in representing the interests of shea industry players but also position the sector to leverage emerging opportunities in local and international markets.
As the shea industry continues to evolve, the GSEA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future, driving sustainable growth, and empowering communities that rely on this valuable resource.