The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched this year’s National Chocolate Month, calling on Ghanaians to support and consume more locally made chocolate and cocoa products.
The event was held at Nationalism Park in Accra on Wednesday, February 11, in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC). It is on the theme, “Experience Ghana, Share the Cocoa Love.”
Among the dignitaries present were the Managing Director of Cocoa Processing Company, Prof. William Coffie; the Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, Mr. Jerome K. Sam; the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto; and Dr. Jeffrey Tamakloe, who represented the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. Actress Kafui Danku, industry players, members of the diplomatic corps and other stakeholders were also in attendance.
He noted that Ghana is one of the leading cocoa producers in the world, yet most of the cocoa is exported while only a small portion is processed and consumed locally. According to him, this presents a great opportunity for the country to increase local processing and consumption.
Abeiku Santana also spoke about the health benefits of cocoa, saying it supports heart health, improves blood circulation and boosts mood. He encouraged Ghanaians to express love during the Valentine season by choosing chocolate made from Ghanaian cocoa, adding that buying local chocolate supports farmers and processors across the country.
The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto also shared her statement saying the National Chocolate Month is more than just a celebration. She described it as a movement to change the story of Ghana’s cocoa.
She explained that Ghana produces a large percentage of the world’s cocoa used in chocolate, yet much of the finished products are packaged and branded outside the country. She urged Ghanaians to take pride in locally made chocolate and help keep more value within the economy.
“We literally grow love. We harvest it and send it around the world,” she said. “And yet when Valentine’s Day comes, most of us buy chocolate made somewhere else”, she said.
Mrs. Houadjeto also highlighted efforts to educate schoolchildren about the cocoa value chain. She recently led a group of children to visit a chocolate factory to see how cocoa is processed from bean to bar. She said this will help the younger generation appreciate the industry and inspire future agribusiness leaders.
The launch also marked the start of a Chocolate Fair at Nationalism Park, which will run until February 14. The fair features Ghanaian chocolate brands, cocoa-based products, exhibitions and other activities.
Patrons at the event were given free chocolates, creating a lively atmosphere ahead of Valentine’s Day.
National Chocolate Month is aimed at promoting local cocoa consumption, supporting Ghanaian chocolate producers and boosting tourism.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh