baobab

Atarrah Ghana Limited, an agribusiness venture is empowering widows and rural women in Ghana’s Upper East Region through value addition in the baobab industry, promoting sustainable livelihoods and the conservation of indigenous tree species. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the Springboard Road Show 2025 stop in the Upper East Region, the Managing Director of Atarrah Ghana, Ms. Fati, said the initiative evolved from the Widows and Orphans Movement, a nonprofit founded by her mother to help widows earn dignified incomes through productive work rather than dependence on donations. “In 2013, my mother asked me to help with the project. We were always begging for money to do good, and I thought we could create something that allows people to work for their money. That’s how we started Atarrah Ghana,” she said. She explained that Atarrah Ghana, headquartered in the Talensi District, operates within the baobab value chain, processing the indigenous tree’s seeds into cold-pressed oil for cosmetic and industrial use. Ms. Fati noted that baobab trees are abundant in the Upper East Region and hold deep cultural significance as symbols of protection and heritage. Ms. Fati said the company produces baobab oil through natural processing methods and ensures that no part of the tree goes to waste. The by-products are converted into animal feed, supporting poultry and livestock farmers, particularly during the dry season. “We produce sustainably. We don’t have any waste product in this factory,” she stated. She further revealed that beyond baobab oil, Atarrah Ghana also processes neem, sesame, moringa, and pawpaw oils, as well as black soap made from baobab and shea butter. The company trains women in shea butter processing and provides market access without competing with their businesses. “We exist because of the women, so whatever they want to do is what we will do. When we compete with one another, we collapse businesses. We all lose out,” Ms. Fati said. Accoprding to Ms. Fati, currently, the factory processes about 15 tons of baobab seeds annually and plans to expand its warehouse capacity fivefold in the coming year. The company is also piloting baobab tree planting initiatives to ensure sustainability and preserve the tree population for future generations. “We want to tell the story of the women so that people can associate with it. We are also planting baobab trees to secure the future of the industry. People say it takes 30 years to harvest, but we are willing to pilot grafting and other innovations to shorten that period,” she added. She urged young people to look beyond challenges and identify opportunities within their local environments. “There’s a lot of space. We just need to think outside the box and look within our environment. If we make things easier for industries, we will see the full potential of our people,” she said. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation