In a bold move to transform agricultural waste into economic opportunity, WAN-Hive Ghana has launched a groundbreaking initiative to unlock the untapped value of cashew fruit in the Bono Region.

The Cashew Value Addition and Livelihood Empowerment Project (CALEP), unveiled in Suma in the Jaman South District, aims to equip women with practical skills to convert what is often discarded into profitable products—marking a significant step toward rural industrialisation and women’s economic empowerment.

At the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of WAN-Hive Ghana, Janet Issifu, underscored the urgency of addressing a long-standing gap in Ghana’s cashew value chain.

“For years, our focus has been on the cashew nut for export, while the fruit—rich in nutrients and economic potential—goes to waste. CALEP is here to change that narrative,” she said.

Ms Issifu explained that the project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with GIZ, will train 50 women through an intensive four-month, hands-on programme.

She added that beyond processing, the initiative will introduce modern farming techniques, with experts deployed to improve productivity and quality across the cashew value chain.

“We are not only training women; we are building entrepreneurs. With the right skills, equipment, and support, these women can create sustainable businesses and access new markets,” she noted.

Delivering a keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, commended WAN-Hive Ghana for what he described as a timely and transformative intervention.

 “Communities like Suma are deeply rooted in cashew farming, yet we continue to waste a valuable resource. This project aligns perfectly with the government’s vision to build an entrepreneurial culture, especially among the youth and women,” he said.

Mr Adjei reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, indicating that NEIP stands ready to collaborate and provide additional avenues of support to ensure the project’s success.

He also encouraged women in the Suma community to seize the opportunity.

“This is a chance to acquire skills, create businesses, and secure your future. I urge every woman here to take full advantage of this intervention,” he added.

Beneficiaries of the programme expressed gratitude, describing the initiative as a life-changing opportunity to diversify their income and gain financial independence.

Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to process cashew fruit into high-value products such as juice, milk, and other export-ready derivatives.

The Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions collectively produce a significant share of Ghana’s cashew exports—estimated at 90 per cent—yet much of the fruit is left to rot after the nuts are harvested, representing a major economic loss.

The launch attracted a cross-section of the community, including hairdressers, seamstresses, students, entrepreneurs, government appointees, and traditional leaders from the Suma Traditional Area, reflecting widespread support for the initiative.

As Ghana seeks to deepen value addition in agriculture, the CALEP project stands as a compelling model—turning overlooked resources into engines of growth while placing women at the heart of rural economic transformation.