The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture has appointed Ghanaian entrepreneur and cultural preservationist Hamamat Montia as Ghana’s Ambassador of Shea, in recognition of her longstanding efforts to promote shea butter as a vital cultural, economic, and heritage resource.
The appointment was formally announced at a brief ceremony held on February 10, 2026, at the ministry in Accra, where the sector minister, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, commended Hamamat for her dedication to preserving and promoting Ghana’s shea heritage.
She noted that Hamamat embodies the true essence of cultural ambassadorship in the modern era, highlighting her role in safeguarding tradition while advancing economic opportunities.
“Hamamat Montia embodies the essence of what a cultural ambassadorial role means in the 21st century,” the minister said, praising her commitment to cultural preservation and innovation.
As part of the ceremony, the ministry presented a citation in honour of Hamamat Montia, officially recognizing her appointment and contributions to Ghana’s cultural and creative sector.
Born and raised in Bolgatanga in northern Ghana, Hamamat first gained national recognition after winning Miss Malaika Ghana in 2006. She later transformed her public profile into a thriving international beauty and wellness enterprise rooted in traditional African ingredients.
Over the past decade, she has built a vertically integrated shea business spanning farming, education, and global exports. She is also the founder of the Shea Butter Museum in Accra, an initiative dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and cultural significance of shea butter.
Speaking after her appointment, Hamamat emphasized the need for Ghana to move beyond exporting raw materials and focus on producing high-value finished goods.
“We must move from being simply suppliers of raw materials to producers of premium, ethical African products, and Ghana can be the shining light,” she said.
Her appointment marks the first time Ghana has formally designated an Ambassador of Shea, underscoring the growing recognition of shea butter not only as an economic commodity but also as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage.
