Tree Crops Development Authority sets raw shea nut price at GH‵8.30

The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has announced a revised Minimum Producer Price (MPP) for raw shea nuts, fixing the rate at GH₵8.30 per kilogramme for the remainder of the 2026/2027 season. This new pricing structure, which comes into effect on November 3, 2026, is intended to regulate the market and ensure fair compensation for collectors and producers across the shea-producing regions of Ghana. The authority noted that the adjustment is part of its ongoing mandate to stabilize the tree crop sector and improve the livelihoods of those involved in the value chain.

The decision to adjust the price followed a comprehensive meeting of the Shea Value Chain Price Committee, where stakeholders evaluated the current economic landscape. According to the TCDA, the revision was primarily driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, including an improved exchange rate that has influenced the global competitiveness of Ghana’s shea exports. By aligning the local producer price with these economic realities, the authority aims to maintain the country's position as a leading supplier of high-quality shea nuts while protecting local stakeholders from market volatility.

Alongside the price adjustment, the TCDA has introduced strict quality specifications that all traded shea nuts must meet to qualify for the GH₵8.30 rate. These benchmarks include a moisture content of between 8% and 10%, free fatty acids (FFA) levels of 6% to 8%, and impurity levels restricted to a range of 2% to 4%. These measures are designed to enhance the quality of Ghanaian shea exports and ensure that buyers receive produce that meets international industrial standards.

The authority issued a stern warning to all actors in the shea trade, emphasizing that the GH₵8.30 per kilogramme price is a mandatory floor and must be strictly adhered to. The TCDA stated that it will actively monitor trade activities across the country to ensure compliance and will impose penalties on any individuals or organizations found violating the pricing directives. By enforcing these regulations, the TCDA hopes to foster a more transparent and equitable trading environment that benefits both the producers at the bottom of the pyramid and the exporters driving the industry forward.