The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), in partnership with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), has successfully developed biodiesel from shea butter, according to CEO Joseph Boahen Aidoo.
While addressing a gathering of chiefs and cocoa farmers in Offinso, Konongo Odumase, and Juaso in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Aidoo shared that CRIG’s research has significantly shortened the growth period of shea plants, reducing it from 35-40 years to just three years.
He explained that this breakthrough has the potential to transform shea farming in northern Ghana, creating new economic opportunities for farmers.
Mr. Aidoo also pointed out that as shea farming expands, the market value of shea butter may decrease. To optimize its economic impact, he instructed CRIG to explore the possibility of using shea butter for biodiesel production.
Although the production of biodiesel has been successfully achieved, it has not yet entered the commercial phase.
He expressed hope that this innovation could play a key role in the renewable energy sector and benefit cocoa farmers, many of whom use premixed fuel for their farming equipment.
Looking ahead, Mr. Aidoo predicted that Ghana could eventually stop importing premixed fuel as local farmers cultivate enough shea nuts to support biodiesel production.
“We now have shea nut seedlings that grow within just three years, and we are providing them to farmers in the northern parts of the country,” he said.
“This biodiesel works like premixed fuel, the same kind used in machines on our cocoa farms – whether for spraying, weeding, or pruning.”
Mr. Aidoo added that ongoing research is focused on ensuring the biodiesel is suitable for use in vehicles.
As part of this effort, COCOBOD has initiated a shea plantation in Bole, located in the Savannah Region, and has also established an extensive nursery to cultivate premium seedlings for local farmers.
Transforming shea butter into biodiesel presents an exciting opportunity to broaden the economic benefits of shea farming in the area.