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Tamale Shea Cooperative

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Agriculture
—°5
Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)

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The Tamale Shea Cooperative is a vital economic hub in Northern Ghana, specializing in the processing of shea nuts into shea butter. In this region, shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) grow wild and provide a critical source of income for thousands of women. The cooperative employs traditional methods of harvesting, drying, and roasting, but increasingly combines these with modern machinery to enhance export quality. Shea butter, often referred to as 'women's gold,' is used worldwide in the cosmetic and food industries. The facility in Tamale promotes fair trade practices and strengthens the economic independence of the rural population. In addition to production, the cooperative serves as an educational center for sustainable land use in the country's arid north. Ghana is one of the leading exporters of shea products, with Tamale acting as a logistical gateway. Protecting shea resources is also a key factor in combating desertification in the Sahel region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262931312928272626272826
Rain mm3123673103122160166185111192

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Tamale Shea Cooperative is an agricultural cooperative that teaches and promotes processing shea nuts into butter. It plays an important role in the economic empowerment of women in northern Ghana.
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Visiting
The cooperative typically features guided tours where visitors can see the entire shea butter production process. Participation in workshops is often possible to learn traditional methods.
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Where to view it
The cooperative is located in a rural area near Tamale, surrounded by shea tree groves visible from the processing hut. The open landscape features expansive views of the savannah.
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Local products
The main product is handmade shea butter in various quality grades, available for purchase on-site. Shea soap and other shea-based body care products are typically offered as well.
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Active season
The main shea nut harvest season is from June to August, when processing is most active. The cooperative is open year-round, with workshops adjusted to raw material availability.
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Nearby
A visit to the cooperative can be combined with a trip to Mole National Park, famous for its elephant herds. Traditional Dagomba villages also offer cultural insights into the region.

Geography

Coordinates
9.40000, -0.85000

Facts

  • Region: Northern Region, Ghana
  • Main product: Shea butter
  • Involves over 10,000 women
  • Focus on Fair Trade certification
  • Utilization of Vitellaria paradoxa trees
  • Major export item for cosmetics

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TamaleTamale1 km · NExplore →
Aliu Mahama Sports StadiumAliu Mahama Sports Stadium4 km · NEExplore →
Tamale Animal ShelterTamale Animal Shelter12 km · NEExplore →
Northern Rice FieldsNorthern Rice Fields23 km · EExplore →
Dagbon PlateauDagbon Plateau40 km · NExplore →
Gambo HillsGambo Hills45 km · EExplore →
White VoltaWhite Volta47 km · WExplore →
Volta BasinVolta Basin59 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tamale Shea Cooperative (5)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint - Education Ridge Branch📍 landmark

A branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints situated on Education Ridge in Tamale.

🕒 Su 09:00-12:00♿

Sagnarigu Chief Palace🏰 castle

The traditional royal palace belonging to the chief of the Sagnarigu area in Tamale.

Sagnarigu Forest📍 landmark

A natural green forest attraction situated in the Sagnarigu agricultural area of Tamale.

Bamvim Chief's Palace🏰 castle

The traditional royal castle and residence of the Bamvim chief in the Tamale region.

nkrumahvolini🎭 culture

An arts centre in Tamale providing a creative space for regional artistic installations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the cooperative in Tamale produce?
They produce traditional handcrafted shea butter for cosmetic and cooking purposes.
Can you observe the production process?
Yes, visitors can see how the women roast, grind the nuts, and extract the butter.
Is shea butter available for purchase?
Yes, you can buy pure shea butter and handmade soaps directly on-site.
How long does a visit last?
A guided tour typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.
Is the cooperative open every day?
It is mostly open Monday to Friday during regular working hours.
Tamale Shea Cooperative: where is it located?
Tamale Shea Cooperative is located in Ghana.
Tamale Shea Cooperative: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint - Education Ridge Branch, Sagnarigu Chief Palace, Sagnarigu Forest.
Tamale Shea Cooperative: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Tamale Shea Cooperative: why is it worth visiting?
The Tamale Shea Cooperative is a vital economic hub in Northern Ghana, specializing in the processing of shea nuts into shea butter.
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Nearby cities

Tamale — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Tamale
Tamale is the capital of the Northern Region, recognized as a rapidly developing hub in West Africa.
Yendi — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Yendi
Yendi is the traditional capital of the Dagbon Kingdom in the Northern Region.

History & landmarks

Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium
A major sports stadium in Tamale, newly built for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nature

White Volta — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
White Volta
One of the main tributaries of the Volta river system.

More places

Tamale Animal Shelter — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Tamale Animal Shelter
A home for abandoned pets.
Northern Rice Fields — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Northern Rice Fields
An important cultivation area for staple food.
Dagbon Plateau — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Dagbon Plateau
A vast plain with gentle hills in the north.
Gambo Hills — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Gambo Hills
A chain of hills in the north of the country.
Volta Basin — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Volta Basin
A large geological basin covering most of Ghana.
Northern Bird Sanctuary — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Northern Bird Sanctuary
An area with an incredible diversity of birds.
Acacia Savanna Wildlife — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Acacia Savanna Wildlife
Habitat for many wild animals in the north.
Mole Safari — Tamale Shea Cooperative (Ghana)
Mole Safari
A guided tour to see elephants in the wild.