Yumzaa Shea Butter Processing Center, a women-led SMEs in Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana, has appealed for solar panels amid soaring utility costs that hinders the operation of the center and its profitability.
Research reveals that SMEs form the bedrock of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, economic growth, and fostering entrepreneurial spirit, particularly among women. These enterprises, like Yumzaa Shea Butter Processing Center, often operate with resourceful tenacity, empowering women and communities through their endeavors.
High utility costs, especially escalating hydroelectricity bills, have imposed a severe strain on these businesses. The impact transcends mere financial constraints, as it stymies growth prospects, impedes job creation, and threatens the sustainability of these enterprises. As a consequence, the burden falls disproportionately on women-led SMEs, disrupting their ability to thrive and inhibiting their capacity to empower their communities.
According to SMEs, the ripple effects of exorbitant utility expenses are far-reaching. They impede investment in innovation and expansion, curtail job creation opportunities, and hinder the provision of essential services. Women, who play a pivotal role in SMEs, often bear the brunt of these challenges. As primary contributors to their families’ welfare, the setbacks faced by these businesses not only affect their livelihoods but also have repercussions on the education, healthcare, and overall well-being of their families.
The Yumzaa Shea Butter Processing Center is one of the women-led SMEs in the Northern part of Ghana and located at Taampe-Kukuo in the Sagnerigu Municipality with over 700 workers who are mostly members of the association.
The Center is led by a group secretary, but faces numerous challenges including high cost of electricity and water bills.
During a visit to the center by the Shea Network Ghana (SNG) an organization of shea sector businesses, stakeholders and actors , Secretary of the Association, Laceera Zakaria, spoke emphatically, shedding light on the challenges faced by the women-led SME. “As a women-led enterprise, we have persevered through numerous challenges, striving to sustain our operations and empower our community. However, the escalating utility costs have created an insurmountable barrier, hindering our path to profitability.”
She emphasized the critical role played by the center in fostering economic independence among women in the community. According to her, the Center was not merely a place of business; it’s a symbol of women’s resilience and economic empowerment. But the soaring utility expenses have put us in a precarious position, threatening the sustainability of our enterprise and the income of our women”
She reiterated the center’s plea for support in acquiring solar panels. “We implore governmental bodies, philanthropic organizations, and corporate partners to join hands with us in this endeavor. The installation of solar panels will not only alleviate our financial burdens but also align with our commitment to sustainable practices.”
The appeal from Yumzaa Shea Butter Processing Center underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to alleviate the burdens faced by SMEs. According to Wikipedia, adoption of solar panels not only presents a viable alternative to mitigate high utility costs but also champions eco-friendly practices, reducing the carbon footprint and fostering a more sustainable business model.
Moreover, supporting these women-led SMEs in overcoming financial obstacles is pivotal in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ghana. When SMEs flourish, they empower women economically, leading to enhanced decision-making abilities, increased access to resources, and a more equitable society.
By rallying behind initiatives like the appeal for solar panels by Yumzaa Shea Butter Processing Center, stakeholders can foster an environment conducive to the growth of SMEs.
This support not only secures the sustainability of these enterprises but also fortifies the fabric of Ghana’s economy and advances the cause of gender equality, propelling communities towards prosperity and empowerment.
Source: www.sheanetworkghana.org/Adam Abdul-Fatawu Wunizoya-Communications Officer