Yirkasa Social Enterprise, a women-led social initiative based in Nandom, has commissioned a modern Shea Butter Processing Centre in Piiri to enhance women’s participation in agroecological food production and processing.
The facility, officially inaugurated by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nandom, Anthony Ziniel, represents a significant milestone in Yirkasa’s mission to empower rural women while promoting sustainable environmental practices economically.
Speaking at the event, Ziniel commended Yirkasa Social Enterprise for its continued dedication to advancing women’s economic independence through agroecology and value addition.
He emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment and local partnerships in achieving government objectives of rural industrialisation and job creation.
“This initiative not only empowers women financially but also supports environmental conservation and community development,” he stated.
“I urge other organisations to emulate Yirkasa’s example in promoting sustainable livelihoods.”
The MCE also pledged a bag of shea nuts (cash equivalent) to support the women as they begin operations at the new facility.
Founder and coordinator of Yirkasa Social Enterprise, Miss Freda Aagyereyir Pigru, expressed joy at the project’s realisation, describing it as “a dream come true” for women in the community.
“This processing centre will ease the burden of manual processing, improve product quality, and expand market access,” she said.
“Our goal is to add value to local resources while empowering women to become financially independent.”
Miss Pigru revealed that the project was made possible through the generous support of Global Green Grants, a U.S.-based donor organisation, and the collaboration of the local community.
The late Mr. Isidore Degurah and the Degurah family donated the land for the centre.
She added that Yirkasa plans to expand the facility in the future to include solar-powered equipment, packaging units, and training spaces for young women interested in agroecology and entrepreneurship.
Madam Lilian Paaga, a key member of Yirkasa, highlighted that the centre will help improve the hygienic conditions under which shea butter and other local products are processed, thereby enhancing quality standards for both local and international markets.
The new centre is equipped with a stainless steel, 20-horsepower motor combining a crusher and mill, which will significantly increase production efficiency and reduce processing time.
Representatives from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), the Business Advisory Centre (BAC), chiefs and queen mothers from Piiri and adjoining communities such as Tom, and members of the Yirkasa board were all present to grace the occasion.
The BAC assured the women of continued technical support, including assistance in securing Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) certification and accessing soft loans to expand their operations.
While this year’s commissioning did not feature a food exhibition due to ongoing farming activities, the event still marked a proud moment of achievement for Yirkasa and the Piiri community.
Yirkasa Social Enterprise continues to partner with MIT D-Lab, CIKOD, and other development stakeholders to promote agroecology, sustainable food systems, and women’s empowerment in northern Ghana.
By MOHAMMED ABDULAI, Nandom-Piiri-Upper West Region
