Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Shea Expo, held in Accra on Thursday, he disclosed that government aimed to partner with the Crop Research Institute to supply viable shea seedlings to cultivate new plantations.

Dr Otokunor stressed the benefits of partnership to ensure new shea seedlings replaced those lost due to bushfires and other deforestation activities.
He stated that the Government planned to implement enforceable national standards for both shea kernels and shea butter.

"These enforceable standards are designed to ensure Ghana's kernels meet acceptable international market requirements," he said.

"These standards will enable Ghanaian producers to meet the requirements of premium markets across Europe and the Western world."

Dr Otokunor pledged the government's support to women's cooperatives, youth entrepreneurs, research institutions, and processors within the value chain to enhance production competitiveness.

He highlighted the significance of this year's Expo, as the government anticipates supporting over 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and youth-led businesses, generating millions in investment needs.
He said over 150 business-to-business (B2B) partnerships would be facilitated to enhance policy dialogues across sectors.

"This initiative will afford us the opportunity to amplify Ghana's progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 1, 5, 8, 13, and 15,"

Those goals, he explained, related to poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work, climate action, and biodiversity protection.

The event provided a platform for regulators, stakeholders, and organisations like the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to outline their plans to boost Ghana's shea exports.