World College of Mayors Signs Historic MoU with Ghana’s Shea Industry Stakeholders
In a landmark step to strengthen international cooperation in local industry development, the World College of Mayors (WCM) has officially signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading organizations in Ghana’s shea sector — the Ghana Shea Employers Association, the Ghana Shea Workers Union, and the Association of Northern Cluster of Cosmetics Producers (ANCCP).
The agreements were coordinated and approved by the WCM Global Headquarters in El Segundo, California, USA, under the leadership of the Secretary-General and Head of the World College of Mayors, Mr. Alhassan Abdallah Musah, but formally signed in Accra, Ghana.
The signing ceremony was conducted by Dr. Manohar Roy, Global Operations Director of the World College of Mayors, representing the Global Secretariat, and Mr. Yelzaalem Vitus Mbabil, National Secretary of the Ghana Shea Employers Association, in the presence of key representatives from the shea industry and city development partners.
Also present was Mr. Jerry Kenny, West Africa Director of the World College of Mayors, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the partnership processes
The MoUs officially appoint the World College of Mayors (WCM) as the Permanent Consultant on Progress and Development for Ghana’s leading shea industry associations. The initiative will drive industrial modernization, capacity building, women’s empowerment, and international market linkages for shea producers and cosmetics manufacturers across Northern Ghana.
Speaking on behalf of the World College of Mayors, Mr. Alhassan Abdallah Musah, Secretary-General and Head of WCM, described the partnership as “a milestone in connecting cities and communities through trade, innovation, and shared prosperity.”
“This historic signing reflects WCM’s commitment to using city leadership as a platform for community development,” said Mr. Alhassan Abdallah Musah.
“Through this partnership, we are supporting the shea sector — a vital source of income for thousands of women — with global exposure, training, and investment linkages. We want to see Ghana’s shea industry reach its full potential as a model of inclusive and sustainable enterprise.”
As part of the newly signed partnership, the World College of Mayors announced the launch of three flagship initiatives to institutionalize innovation and visibility within the shea value chain:
1. Shea Butter Day – An annual global celebration recognizing the cultural and economic significance of shea production, led by women and youth entrepreneurs.
2. Shea Butter Village – A development and training hub to be established in Northern Ghana to promote processing, packaging, research, and export-readiness.
3. Shea Butter Conference – A global platform to unite producers, investors, mayors, and policymakers in advancing sustainable trade, industrial investment, and community-driven economic growth.
“The Shea Butter Day and Village will not only honor the hardworking women of Ghana but will also connect their products directly to international markets through our global city network,” Mr. Musah added.
“Our cities will serve as marketplaces, classrooms, and bridges for inclusive economic progress”
Representing the partner associations, Mr. Yelzaalem Vitus Mbabil, National Secretary of the Ghana Shea Employers Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the World College of Mayors for its strategic leadership and visionary commitment.
“We are deeply grateful to the Secretary-General, Mr. Alhassan Abdallah Musah, and the entire WCM leadership for believing in the potential of Ghana’s shea industry,” Mr. Mbabil said.
“This partnership opens new doors for growth, investment, and international collaboration. The women, youth, and artisans of the shea value chain now have a strong ally in the World College of Mayors.”
Dr. Manohar Roy, Global Operations Director of WCM, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to sustainable industry partnerships:
“Our model brings together local innovation and global expertise. This collaboration between WCM and Ghana’s shea associations is proof that cities and industries can work hand in hand for inclusive progress.”
Mr. Jerry Kenny, WCM West Africa Director, added:
“This agreement reflects WCM’s vision of city-led economic empowerment. Through this MoU, we are connecting Ghana’s Northern communities to a world of opportunities.”
Source : Ghana News online
