Accra, Ghana – AAK Ghana Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to accelerate value addition, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in Ghana’s shea sector.
The agreement, signed by Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Mr. Lasse Skaksen, Vice President and Head of AAK West Africa, and witnessed by H.E. Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark, strengthens collaboration between the government and the private sector to enhance Ghana’s agro-industrial development.
Under the MoU, AAK has outlined four key priorities:
- Expansion of the Kolo Nafaso programme to support over 300,000 women shea collectors.
- Establishment of the AAK Ghana Innovation Academy to develop skills, SMEs, and youth employability.
- Investment in local shea processing, creating over 100 jobs and increasing export competitiveness.
- Support for shea reforestation and parkland preservation to ensure long-term sustainability.
With operations in Ghana since 1958, AAK reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country and its potential as a regional hub for value-added shea processing. The recent FairWild certification of Kolo Nafaso sets a new benchmark for ethical sourcing while empowering women collectors.
Mr. Lasse Skaksen said: “Ghana has the potential to become a global reference point for value-added shea processing, and AAK intends to be a long-term partner in making that happen. This partnership reflects our commitment to local capacity, sustainable sourcing, and inclusive economic growth.”
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture highlighted that the MoU aligns with national priorities, including the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) and efforts to strengthen agro-processing, tree crop development, and export-led growth.
Through this partnership, AAK and the Government of Ghana aim to transform the shea sector from a raw commodity industry into a competitive, value-added pillar of Ghana’s agricultural and industrial economy.
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. AAK specialises in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume, making them better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, AAK operates in more than 25 countries with over 4,200 employees and more than 20 production facilities worldwide. In Ghana, AAK has been a longstanding partner in the shea value chain, most notably through Kolo Nafaso, one of the largest direct sourcing programmes of its kind globally.
Media Contact
Emmanuella Yamoah
0209045128
