The Global Shea Alliance (GSA), a major stakeholder in the shea industry, has raised concerns over what it describes as unprecedented pressure on shea parklands across West Africa,
The report indicates that the Global Shea Alliance (GSA) has warned that West Africa is losing an estimated eight million shea trees every year, raising concerns that the continued degradation of shea parklands could threaten the future of the industry and the livelihoods of millions of people across the region.
It further notes that the warning was echoed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and other stakeholders during the 2026 Shea Day celebrations held in Buipe in the Savannah Region.
Speaking through Iddi Zackaria, Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance, Aaron Adu stated population growth, agricultural expansion, bushfires, unsustainable tree felling and climate change were placing unprecedented pressure on Africa’s shea parklands.
“Across Africa, we are losing an estimated eight million shea trees every year. Population growth, agricultural expansion, bushfires, unsustainable tree removal and the impacts of climate change are placing unprecedented pressure on shea parklands,” he said.
Mr Adu warned that unless urgent action is taken, global demand for shea products could outstrip supply within the next two decades.
“If we continue on this path, projections show that by 2044, global demand for shea will exceed supply.
“This is not simply an environmental concern. It is a threat to biodiversity, rural livelihoods and an industry that supports millions of women across Africa,” he added.
To address the growing threat, Mr Adu stated the Global Shea Alliance launched the Action for Shea Parklands initiative in 2020 to promote the sustainable management of shea landscapes across Africa.
Built around three pillars — restore, protect and promote — the initiative focuses on community nurseries, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry to replenish degraded shea parklands.
“We restore shea landscapes through community nurseries, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry, ensuring that new trees are established for a future with improved and healthier landscapes,” he said.
Bagbin highlights sector’s economic potential.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin underscored the economic importance of the shea industry, describing it as a vital source of income for many households and communities, particularly in northern Ghana.
He stated this conviction inspired the establishment of the EcoGrowth Development Initiatives Foundation, which promotes environmental sustainability, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive economic development.
“The Foundation is committed to promoting environmental sustainability, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive economic development,” Mr Bagbin said.
