Labour Minister champions women’s empowerment at Upper West Shea Festival

The Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Rashid Hassan Pelpuo has reaffirmed his commitment to women’s empowerment and job creation during the Upper West Shea Festival held on Saturday, April 26, at the Department of Parks and Gardens in Cantonments, Accra.

Serving as the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo praised the festival as a vital platform for advancing economic opportunities, particularly for women involved in shea nut production and processing.

“Shea nuts form the foundation of employment and job creation in the Upper West Region, especially in the Wa Municipality,” he noted. “As Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, I see this festival as a key component of our policy to empower women and provide them with sustainable job opportunities.”

The Minister emphasized that the shea industry holds significant potential not only locally but also on the international market.

“Beyond what we do in the Upper West, this is what people want in America,” he said

He further assured participants of the Ministry’s support for future collaborations aimed at expanding the festival’s impact and promoting entrepreneurship among women across the country.

The Upper West Shea Festival celebrated the cultural heritage and economic potential of the Upper West Region. Activities included free eye and health screenings, cultural performances, and exhibitions of shea-based products.

Women groups such as the Women in Action Network shared the challenges they face in the industry and appealed for greater support to help them scale their businesses and access wider markets.