Baraka Impact: using shea butter to empower communities

By Rafiq Nungor ADAM

The grand opening of the Konjeihi Women’s Enterprise Centre marked a significant milestone in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region. Spearheaded by Baraka Impact, this initiative is transforming the shea butter market while empowering local women and communities.

Hundreds of women find hope and support at the Konjeihi Women’s Enterprise Centre, located in the Upper West Region. Led by the visionary Gifty Lagejua, a member of the community, and supported by the CEO of Baraka Impact, Professor Wayne Dunn, the centre has become a hub for shea and Kombo butter production, employing nearly 200 local women and providing income opportunities to over 500 rural women across the region.

Madam Gifty Serbeh, praises Baraka Impact for its support. She remembers how she asked Prof. Wayne Dunn for help five years ago. Since then, Baraka Impact has played a significant role in helping women overcome obstacles to expanding production of Shea butter and gaining access to markets.

“The centre has enhanced the quality of shea butter produced by the women, making it attractive for both domestic and international markets,” she remarked.

Baraka Impact, a family run company based in Ghana and Canada, was founded by Prof. Wayne Dunn and Gifty Serbeh with a mission to combine sustainability, social impact and economic success. Their adventure started with a goal to protect the environment and its resources, generate financial returns and have a significant impact on the community. This idea inspired them to develop a revolutionary economic strategy that would transform communities in the Upper West Region, focusing on the production of shea butter.

Baraka Impact ventured into the shea butter market, recognizing its potential for economic empowerment.

From seed to shelf, Baraka’s dedication to sustainability and social effect is visible. This is emphasised by Baraka Impact manager, Theo Aronti, who says: “Shea butter will not only nourish the skin but also nurture economic growth”.

He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, stressing how responsibility for the environment is brought to every stage of the process – from cultivation to processing.

Professor Wayne Dunn, CEO of Baraka Impact, credited the success chalked so far to teamwork.

“It is a partnership that was created by Madam Gifty when she invited us to see the women who wanted to make Shea butter,” he pointed out.

When Baraka Impact Manager Theo Apronti opens the Shea butter manufacturing facility, he considers the significant effects it will have on people’s lives and means of subsistence.

“This centre stands as a testament to the education of our community to unleash the potential within our natural resources for the betterment of all,” Baraka Impact Manager, Theo Apronti said.

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