AAK Ghana Limited (AAK) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to promote value addition, competitiveness, and sustainable development in Ghana’s shea sector.
The agreement was signed in Accra by Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Mr. Lasse Skaksen, Vice President and Head of AAK West Africa. The ceremony was also attended by H.E. Jakob Linulf, Denmark’s Ambassador to Ghana, highlighting the strategic significance of the partnership for the country’s agribusiness and industrial growth.
The MoU formalises collaboration between the Government of Ghana and AAK, one of the world’s largest shea producers and buyers, to expand local processing capabilities, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in international shea markets. The partnership focuses on inclusive growth across the value chain, with particular attention to women collectors, youth employment, and sustainable sourcing practices.
AAK, which has operated in Ghana since 1958, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country and its potential as a regional hub for value-added shea processing. The company’s Kolo Nafaso programme recently received FairWild certification the first for shea setting a new benchmark for ethical sourcing and benefiting more than 230,000 women collectors in the region.
At the signing, Mr. Skaksen stated: “Ghana can become a global leader in value-added shea processing, and AAK is committed to supporting this vision. We are dedicated to investing in local capacity, sustainable sourcing, and inclusive economic growth.”
Under the MoU, AAK identified four key priorities:
- Expanding Kolo Nafaso – The programme will grow to include around 70,000 additional women, mainly in northern Ghana, increasing the total number supported to over 300,000. Investments will also be made in logistics, warehousing, and supply chain infrastructure.
- Skills and SME development – The planned AAK Ghana Innovation Academy will enhance technical expertise, improve SME viability, and create youth employment in the shea and broader plant-based oils sector.
- Local processing investment – AAK plans to establish local processing facilities using advanced technology, creating over 100 jobs and boosting export competitiveness.
- Sustainability initiatives – The company will support shea reforestation and parkland preservation in collaboration with the Tree Crops Development Authority and other partners to ensure long-term sector sustainability.
MoFA noted that the MoU aligns with national priorities, including the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), the Feed Ghana Programme, and broader efforts to strengthen agro-processing, tree crop development, and export-led growth. The Ministry also pledged to create a conducive business environment to support the success of these initiatives.
The signing was attended by senior government officials and stakeholders, including Deputy Minister John Dumelo, MoFA Chief Director Paul Siameh, Tree Crops Development Authority CEO Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, and representatives from the Danish Embassy.
Through this partnership, AAK and the Government of Ghana reaffirm their shared goal of transforming the shea sector from a primarily raw commodity industry into a competitive, value-added pillar of the national economy.
About AAK
AAK is a global leader in plant-based oils, supplying ingredients that enhance taste, health, and sustainability in consumer products. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, he company operates in over 25 countries with more than 4,200 employees and over 20 production facilities worldwide.
In Ghana, AAK has long supported the shea value chain, most notably through the Kolo Nafaso programme, one of the largest direct sourcing initiatives globally.