PAGSUNG ASSOCIATION GHANA

The Pagsung Women’s Cooperative was formed in 2002 with 30 women members. The initial aim of training them in dressmaking to improve their lives by generating new forms of livelihoods. Given the resource-rich history of Northern Ghana, the women soon organized themselves into a Shea Cooperative which began processing butter in 2004 and selling to local buyers before SFC began placing large volumes of orders with the Pagsung Cooperative in 2010. Since then, SFC has formed a strong partnership with Pagsung, consistently exporting their authentic shea products to European and American markets.

Member highlight

“Before joining the cooperative, I was producing butter alone in the house and trying to sell at the local market – sometimes on credit with so many difficulties in recovering what I invested in production. After joining the cooperative, my income levels increased astronomically, and I also don’t have to stress about selling the product personally or seeking credit for it. It’s now been over a decade.’’ – Memunatu Musah (Coop Secretary and Shea Butter Processor).

Through SFC’s consistent sourcing from Pagsung and investing in their shea butter processing facility, SFC has enabled Memunatu to generate a steady income throughout the year. This has allowed her to provide for her children, ensuring they receive both formal education and vocational training. This has ensured their financial independence. Through the Shea Gets Greener project the Pagsung facility has received brand new green machinery like improved BDL roasters and updates to their centers infrastructure. To learn more about this initiative visit this link. <SGG link here>>

The Pagsung Women’s Cooperative is filled with stories of triumph. Memunatu’s is just one example.

Fun Fact: Pagsung initially began as a dress making cooperative and pivoted to producing shea butter. Within two years realizing the strength they had in numbers and the global appeal of Ghanaian Shea Butter; the decision was made to switch, and the cooperative has not looked back.

Pagsung members have instituted a personal savings initiative known as the “small box” which includes a welfare plan. A cedi is paid per woman at the weekly savings sittings towards the welfare fund utilized to help members in emergencies.