A women-led agro-processing cooperative in northern Ghana is making a compelling case for inclusion in the country’s ambitious 24-hour economy policy, highlighting its impressive revenue generation and job creation capabilities.
The Northern Savannah Women Enterprise, based in Bolgatanga and supported by the Northern Rural Processing Association (NORPRA), operates a round-the-clock facility producing groundnut oil, soya milk, soya kebab, and groundnut paste for both local consumption and export markets.
Employing over 600 rural women, the cooperative projects monthly profits exceeding GH₵9 million, signalling strong potential for industrial growth and food security enhancement.
“Our business is more than a social impact venture, it is a scalable industrial model,” said Madam Barikisu Sulley, chairperson of the enterprise, underscoring their ambition to expand operations with certification support, upgraded infrastructure, and policy-backed funding.
NORPRA’s Executive Director, Bismark Adongo Ayorogo, stressed the synergy between the cooperative’s activities and the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
“This initiative is tailor-made for the 24-hour economy. It’s labour-intensive, demand-driven, and capable of generating sustainable revenue streams,” he asserted. NORPRA is lobbying the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to prioritise the cooperative within its development framework and facilitate access to the SOCO Fund to support its expansion.
The enterprise is also pushing for its products to be integrated into public procurement schemes such as the School Feeding Programme and government health facilities. Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, welcomed the proposal, affirming that it would be considered in the upcoming Medium-Term Development Plan.
“This can serve as a model for agro-based job creation across the northern belt,” Ayoo remarked.
As Ghana advances its 24-hour economy initiative, the Northern Savannah Women Enterprise exemplifies how women-led businesses can drive industrialisation, create meaningful employment, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic resilience.
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