The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has reiterated governments commitment to providing resources, training, and market access to help Ghana’s chocolate industry to thrive.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the sector minister, said Made-in-Ghana chocolates not only tasted good, but also contained numerous nutrients, including antioxidants, that helped to boost the immune system.
She said this at the climax of this year’s national chocolate week celebration, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Cocoa Board and the Cocoa Processing Company on Friday, in Accra.
The celebration was themed: “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,” with the sub-theme: “Chocolate for All: Taste, Share, and Care.”
The week-long celebration, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, is to project the rich history and cultural significance of Ghana’s cocoa, and to remind Ghanaians of the importance of love, affection, and the joy of sharing chocolate with others.
“Chocolate is indeed a universal language that brings people together, and we are proud to be one of the world’s leading producers. By celebrating the week, we are not only promoting our local chocolate industry but also showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture and hospitality,” Madam Gomashie said.
“The Black Star Experience” initiative, government’s flagship programme, was at the heart of the celebration and designed to promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, with cocoa as a symbol of national pride and economic strength, she said.
The occasion was also to pay glowing tribute to Tetteh Quashie for introducing cocoa beans to Ghana from Fernando Po in the late 19th century, and to honour farmers who cultivate the prestigious crop, which was transformed into the sweet delight that brings joy to millions worldwide.
The Minister urged Ghanaians to taste, share, and care for local chocolates and continue to promote them, support cocoa farmers, and preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage.
Mrs Marilyn Maa Efua Houadjeto, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, said the theme epitomised the need to inculcate in the people the habit of consuming cocoa in its various forms.
She noted that the programme had helped to reshape the celebration of Valentines Day in Ghana by leveraging chocolate as a symbol of love, providing a longer period of engagement, and increased awareness.
Mrs Houadjeto said as local consumption of Ghanaian chocolate was being promoted, it would enhance domestic tourism, social cohesion and create jobs for the youth.
“Cocoa is a stress reliever, helps to reduce blood pressure, improves the blood flow to the brain and boosts brain function, acts as a stimulant, and a natural aphrodisiac,” she said.
“Cocoa has become a veritable component of Ghana’s tourism experience, igniting a sense of pride and heritage and the industry is one of the leading industries that absorbs a significant number of Ghana’s labour force.”
Mrs Houadjeto encouraged tour operators/guides to prioritise the inclusion of cocoa farms in their tours to the various tourist sites and attractions to educate clients on the health and economic benefits of cocoa.
“Tourism establishments must also ensure that chocolate-based products and chocolates are part of their menu and snacks so that the foreign exchange needed could be raked into the economy.”
She called on stakeholders in the entire value chain to continue to promote the consumption of chocolate and cocoa based products, adding: “It must be continually nurtured and promoted to attract both national and international attention and participation.”
“This will help not only to keep the chocolate message constantly running in the minds of Ghanaians but also create avenues for those in the processing and manufacturing sectors to also showcase their various cocoa products.”
By Hafsa Obneg, GNA
