The project, dubbed: “Promoting Safe Working Conditions and Enhancing the Skills and Capacity of Women in Shea Processing to Improve Sheanut Quality and Productivity in Mion District,” was supported by Plan International Ghana through the Bridge Fund.

The beneficiary women under the project were drawn from two community-based groups in the District, including Nandundo and DC Kura who directly benefited from the intervention, targeted at improving working conditions, enhancing product quality, and increasing incomes along the shea value chain.

Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA -Ghana during a community engagement to climax and access the impact of the project, said it began by updating beneficiaries’ database and refresher training for eight Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) in the two communities to strengthen financial literacy, governance, and record-keeping.
She said linkages were also facilitated between the women groups and two local financial institutions to improve access to credit for shea-related businesses.
She explained that SWIDA Ghana subsequently rolled out approved training modules on occupational health, safety, and quality shea processing, reaching 280 women shea pickers and marketers.

Hajia Sagito indicated that the training under the project equipped beneficiaries with practical knowledge in hygiene, quality control, and safe handling practices, resulting in improved sheanut quality and marketability.
She added that, “To reduce health risks and environmental impact, the project supported the construction of three dual energy-saving shea processing stoves, which have reduced smoke exposure and firewood consumption.”
“A total of 220 sets of personal protective equipment (PPEs), including gloves, nose masks and solar torchlights, were distributed to enhance workplace safety and dignity.

She said seven-member operations and maintenance committees were formed and trained for each stove centre to ensure proper use and maintenance of the stoves and PPEs.
Hajia Sagito disclosed that monitoring and feedback sessions showed that more than 85 per cent of the beneficiaries had adopted the clean technologies introduced under the project.
Beneficiaries and community leaders commended the intervention, citing improved health, productivity, and incomes.

The project, which was implemented from August 2025 to January 2026, ended with sustainability dialogues involving traditional leaders, women leaders, and district-level stakeholders to strengthen community ownership and ensure the long-term continuation of safe and productive shea processing practices in the district.
The women of Nandundo honoured Hajia Sagito Alima Sa-eed, for her years of service to women’s development.