Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the Presidential Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has vowed to establish a shea-fruit factory in the Northern part of the country if given the mandate to lead the party and subsequently the country in the 2024 elections.
According to him, the shea fruit, found abundantly in the Northern part of the country, is not only a valuable natural resource but also incredibly sweet.
“So, if we can establish a factory that will process shea fruit into local juice, we are creating a product with added value that can be marketed both locally and internationally. And we can do it; it is just a matter of prioritising,” he said.
He added that this venture has the potential to significantly impact the employment landscape in the Northern part of the country.
The shea tree, known as “Vitellaria paradoxa,” is native to the Northern part of the country and has been a vital source of income for many local communities, especially women and children. It is primarily known for its nuts, which are usually processed into shea butter and used in various cosmetic and skincare products globally.
During his campaign tour to the Upper East Region, Mr. Agyapong spoke to Mark Smith on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show about the opportunity to diversify and maximise the value of shea fruit, which he believes is often overlooked.
Touching on his vision for the people in the region, he indicated that his vision is not only to boost local economic development but also to provide job opportunities and skills training for the youth.
With such a vision, he emphasised the need for strategic leadership to harness the opportunities in the region, which has historically faced economic challenges.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga