Manual shelling of melon seeds in order to extract the edible cotyledon is a tedious, time consuming and boring process. A performance evaluation, followed by critical analysis on a locally constructed electrically powered melon seed shelling prototype (constructed by TAAKO Industries, Douala, Cameroon) was done. Two types of melon seeds: yellow and white types were purchased from the Douala Central Market. These seeds were phenotypically characterized (average seed area, length, width and density) prior to shelling trials. Results from the performance evaluation of the shelling unit revealed that for one shelling cycle; best efficiencies of 48% at 11.8Kgh-1 feed rate, 30mins wetting time, 450 feed angle and 22.5% at 12.23Kgh-1 feed rate, 30mins wetting time, 450 feed angle were obtained respectively for seeds type A and B. After a critical analysis of the current design, some modifications to improve on the former were proposed. Amongst others, it was determined by calculations that the unit needed a 1Hp motor instead of a 2Hp motor. A V-belt pulley system was also proposed to facilitate shelling speed variation. Finally the modifications to be adapted were evaluated at a cost of about 600$ USD.