The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is encouraging Ghanaians to embrace the consumption of local cocoa products to improve their health and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of GTA, emphasized the positive impact of increased cocoa consumption on employment opportunities and the entire value chain. To achieve this, GTA plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to raise awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of cocoa, particularly chocolate, with the aim of boosting local production and consumption.
During the National Chocolate Week celebration, GTA organized a health walk and cocoa exhibition in partnership with COCOBOD, CPC, and GHATOF. Mr. Agyeman made these remarks during the event. The event, which involved a walk through the streets of Accra, aimed to educate the public on the importance of cocoa consumption. Mr. Agyeman emphasized that the awareness campaign would extend beyond urban areas to cocoa-producing regions and rural communities.
Highlighting the nutritional value of cocoa products, especially chocolate, Mr. Agyeman urged the hospitality industry, including hotels and restaurants, to promote cocoa consumption among both locals and foreigners. He suggested adding cocoa or chocolate to breakfast menus to enhance the overall experience for guests. Dr. Edward Ampofo, Chief Pharmacist at Cocoa Clinic, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that increased cocoa consumption would not only benefit individual health but also contribute to the nation’s GDP, ultimately boosting the economy.
Dr. Ampofo also addressed concerns about the destruction of cocoa farms for mining purposes, stating that COCOBOD is working on implementing policies to protect cocoa farms. Touching a cocoa farm would be considered an offence under these policies, indicating COCOBOD’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers across the country.
The theme of this year’s National Chocolate Week is “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,” with a focus on promoting the consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and encouraging domestic tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism established the event in 2005 with the aim of changing the perception of Valentine’s Day as a day of immoral conduct among the youth and promoting the enjoyment of chocolate.
