The Board Directors of Shea Network Ghana (SNG), an organization of shea sector businesses, stakeholders and value-chain actors, on Thursday April 18, 2024, elected Mr. Nicholas Amaame Apokerah founder and Executive Director of TradeAID Integrated as the new Board Chair of the network.
With a robust background in rural enterprise development and over two decades of experience, Nicholas, is to succeed Mr. Prince Obeng Asante, who chaired the organization since 2017 and poise to bring a wealth of expertise to the network.
Mr. Nicholas is the founder and Executive Director of TradeAID Integrated, an alternative trade and enterprise development organization he has led since 2001. Under his leadership, TradeAID has positively impacted the lives of approximately 52,000 individuals, with a significant 69% of these beneficiaries being women and vulnerable groups.
He holds an Executive Master’s degree in Development Policies and Practices from the Geneva Graduate Institute and is currently an MBA candidate at the Business School of the Netherlands. He also possesses a B.A. in Economics and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. His extensive educational background is further enriched by several international certificates, including Small Enterprise Policy and Promotion, Market Access and Sustainable Development, and Social Banking and Social Enterprise Development from renowned institutions such as the National Institute of Small Industry Extension Training (NISIET) in India, Wageningen International in the Netherlands, and the Social & Inclusive Business Campus of AFD in Marseille, France.
With a deep-seated commitment to rural development, Nicholas’ interests span rural enterprise development, fair trade, trade policy advocacy, market-led interventions, value chain development, and participatory monitoring and evaluation. His experience and dedication to these areas are expected to drive SNG’s mission forward, enhancing the network’s ability to support the shea sector in Ghana.
As a founding member and the first Acting Coordinator of Shea Network Ghana, Nicholas return to the board signifies a continuity of visionary leadership. His appointment is anticipated to invigorate the network’s initiatives, leveraging his extensive background and strategic insights.
Other Members on the board are Nadiatu Ali Dawud-Vice Chair, Rita Damson-Member, Rabiatu Abukari-Member, Theophile Bama-Member, Alidu Tia Sumani-Member, Nashiru Mohammed Basharu and Faisal Mukhtar-Member. This diverse and experienced team is set to collaborate closely under Nicholas’ leadership to further the objectives of Shea Network Ghana.
Source: www.sheanetworkghana.org / Adam Abdul-Fatwu Wunizoya, Communications and Member-Services Officer-Shea Network Ghana