Original article on Modern Ghana
Yirkasa Social Enterprise, a women-led initiative based in Nandom in the Upper West Region, has commissioned a new Shea Butter Processing Centre in Piiri to strengthen women's participation in agroecological food production and value addition.
The facility, inaugurated by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nandom, Hon. Anthony Ziniel, represents a major step forward in Yirkasa's mission to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic independence among rural women.
Speaking at the commissioning, Hon. Ziniel commended Yirkasa for its sustained commitment to women's empowerment through agroecology and innovation. He said the project aligns with the government's broader vision of rural industrialisation, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
"This initiative not only empowers women financially but also contributes to environmental conservation and community development," the MCE stated. "I encourage other organisations to emulate Yirkasa's example in promoting sustainable livelihoods across our communities."
Founder and Coordinator of Yirkasa Social Enterprise, Miss Freda Aagyereyir Pigru, expressed excitement over the project, describing it as a "dream come true." She said the centre would serve as a hub for women engaged in the production of shea butter, dawadawa, and other local food products.
"This processing centre will reduce the drudgery of manual labour, improve product quality, and open access to wider markets," Miss Pigru said. "Our goal is to add value to local resources while helping women gain financial independence."
She revealed that the project was made possible through strong community collaboration, with the late Mr. Isidore Degurah and the Degurah family donating land for the facility. Miss Pigru also shared plans to expand the centre to include solar-powered equipment, packaging units, and training spaces for young women interested in agroecology and entrepreneurship.
A member of Yirkasa, Madam Lilian Paaga, highlighted the importance of maintaining the facility to ensure its sustainability. She said the new centre would greatly improve hygiene and production efficiency, helping local women meet the standards required for both domestic and export markets.
"With this centre, our women can process more effectively and produce high-quality shea butter that meets international standards," she said.
The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) in Nandom pledged its support to help the women secure certification from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and access soft loans to expand their businesses.
The event also featured an exhibition of locally processed products and traditional dishes such as dawadawa, pito, tubaani, and shea butter, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of women in the Nandom Municipality.
Yirkasa Social Enterprise continues to collaborate with partners including MIT D-Lab, CIKOD, and other development stakeholders to advance agroecology, sustainable food systems, and women's empowerment in northern Ghana.
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Libby Hsu, MIT D-Lab Associate Director of Academics