The University for Development Studies (UDS), through its West African Centre for Shea Innovation and Research (WACSIR), has been appointed to lead the management of the John Mahama Shea Demonstration Farm at Futa in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region.

The appointment, made by the Office for Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA) at the Office of the President, represents a significant recognition of the University's expertise in agricultural research, innovation and sustainable development, particularly within Ghana's shea industry.

In a letter dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, the Director of PIAA, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, formally announced the appointment of WACSIR-UDS as the Lead Manager of the demonstration farm, also known as the John Mahama Shea Plantation Farm.

According to the letter, the initiative forms part of the government's broader efforts to promote the sustainable development of Ghana's shea sector, enhance shea production and productivity, and strengthen research and demonstration activities.

The project is also expected to contribute to the long-term environmental and economic development of shea-growing communities, particularly in northern Ghana.

To ensure effective coordination, transparency and stakeholder participation, PIAA has established a Management Committee to be chaired by the Director of WACSIR-UDS.

The Committee will include two representatives from WACSIR-UDS, comprising the Director and another technical officer or person designated by the Director.

Other members will be drawn from the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), represented by Dr. Edem Anyomi; Savannah Golden Tree Limited; the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly; the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA); and PIAA, represented by Dr. Amy Eshun.

The Committee has been tasked with providing strategic and technical oversight of the plantation, including guiding its development, maintenance, research activities, monitoring and long-term sustainability.

The John Mahama Shea Demonstration Farm is a pioneering agricultural initiative intended to transform shea cultivation in Ghana through the application of scientific research and improved planting materials.

Situated on a 30-acre parcel of land at Futa in the Tamale South Constituency, the plantation is expected to become one of Ghana's landmark demonstration sites for improved shea cultivation.

Speaking at the opening of the World Shea Expo 2026 at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale on September 15, 2026, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor described the project as an important step towards translating scientific research into practical agricultural development.

He disclosed that the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, had planted the first improved shea tree at the demonstration farm in honour of President John Dramani Mahama.

According to Dr. Otokunor, the plantation is intended to become Ghana's first man-made shea plantation of its scale, using improved shea varieties developed through research by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana.

He explained that the improved varieties have the potential to mature within three years, compared with the approximately 20 to 30 years traditionally associated with wild shea trees.

This scientific advancement could significantly reduce the waiting period for shea production, encourage commercial cultivation and create new investment opportunities within the sector.

Dr. Otokunor further disclosed that the 30-acre land for the project had been secured through the efforts of the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, at no cost to the state.

Beyond its research and production objectives, the demonstration farm is also envisioned as a heritage site and a potential attraction for shea tourism in Ghana.

The appointment of WACSIR-UDS to lead the management of the demonstration farm places the University at the centre of an important national initiative aimed at modernizing shea production and strengthening the industry's contribution to economic development.

Through its leadership of the Management Committee, WACSIR-UDS will provide institutional and technical coordination to support the development and sustainability of the plantation.

The initiative also presents opportunities for collaboration among researchers, government institutions, industry players and local communities in developing practical solutions to challenges confronting the shea industry.

For UDS, whose mandate emphasizes research, practical education and development-oriented innovation, the appointment reinforces the University's role in advancing agricultural transformation and addressing the development needs of northern Ghana.

The project is particularly significant given the economic importance of shea to women and rural communities across northern Ghana, where the industry provides livelihoods through nut collection, processing, trading and other value-chain activities.

The establishment of the demonstration farm comes at a time when Ghana is seeking to strengthen its position in the global shea market through increased production, value addition, research and investment.

At the World Shea Expo 2026, held under the theme, "From Local Commodity to Global Brand: Accelerating Women and Youth-led Value Addition in Shea," Dr. Otokunor emphasized the government's commitment to positioning the shea industry as a major driver of inclusive economic growth.

He indicated that Ghana's shea industry holds considerable potential for expansion, particularly through investment in improved production systems, modern processing facilities, research and market development.

The John Mahama Shea Demonstration Farm is expected to contribute to these objectives by demonstrating the commercial and environmental potential of improved shea cultivation.

With WACSIR-UDS entrusted with its management, the initiative provides an opportunity to strengthen the connection between university-based research, government policy and practical agricultural development.

The appointment further underscores the growing recognition of the University for Development Studies as an important institutional partner in national development, particularly in the areas of agricultural research, innovation, environmental sustainability and rural economic transformation.

Story by Abdul Hayi Moomen 
UDS Media