The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) has warned that West Africa is losing an estimated eight million shea trees every year, raising concerns that the continued degradation of shea parklands could threaten the future of the industry and the livelihoods of millions of people across the region.

The warning was echoed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and other stakeholders during the 2026 Shea Day celebrations held in Buipe in the Savannah Region.

Speaking through Iddi Zackaria, Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance, Aaron Adu said population growth, agricultural expansion, bushfires, unsustainable tree felling and climate change were placing unprecedented pressure on Africa's shea parklands.

"Across Africa, we are losing an estimated eight million shea trees every year. Population growth, agricultural expansion, bushfires, unsustainable tree removal and the impacts of climate change are placing unprecedented pressure on shea parklands," he said.

Mr Adu warned that unless urgent action is taken, global demand for shea products could outstrip supply within the next two decades.

"If we continue on this path, projections show that by 2044, global demand for shea will exceed supply.

"This is not simply an environmental concern. It is a threat to biodiversity, rural livelihoods and an industry that supports millions of women across Africa," he added.

GSA outlines conservation strategy

To address the growing threat, Mr Adu said the Global Shea Alliance launched the Action for Shea Parklands initiative in 2020 to promote the sustainable management of shea landscapes across Africa.

Built around three pillars — restore, protect and promote — the initiative focuses on community nurseries, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry to replenish degraded shea parklands.

"We restore shea landscapes through community nurseries, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry, ensuring that new trees are established for a future with improved and healthier landscapes," he said.

Bagbin highlights sector's economic potential.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin underscored the economic importance of the shea industry, describing it as a vital source of income for many households and communities, particularly in northern Ghana.

He said this conviction inspired the establishment of the EcoGrowth Development Initiatives Foundation, which promotes environmental sustainability, youth employment, women's economic empowerment and inclusive economic development.

"The Foundation is committed to promoting environmental sustainability, youth employment, women's economic empowerment and inclusive economic development," Mr Bagbin said.

He revealed that one of the Foundation's flagship projects is the proposed Northern Ghana Shea Resource Hub, which aims to bring together financial institutions, government agencies, traditional authorities, researchers and the private sector to transform Ghana's shea industry through innovation, skills development, investment and expanded market access.

Mr Bagbin also commended the Global Shea Alliance for its sustained efforts to develop the shea sector and urged Ghanaians to play an active role in protecting the country's rapidly diminishing shea trees.

Stakeholders pledge support

The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, said this year's celebration provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to restoring degraded landscapes, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable shea production.

"Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to restore degraded landscapes, conserve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, promote inclusive economic growth and empower women and young people through value addition," he said.

The Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor I, also pledged to work with his sub-chiefs to protect shea trees and enhance the economic value of shea nuts to improve livelihoods, particularly for women and young people in the Savannah Region.

The celebration ended with the symbolic planting of shea seedlings by dignitaries, including Speaker Alban Bagbin and Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor I, as part of ongoing efforts to restore and conserve the region's shea parklands.