Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Tuesday highlighted the economic and cultural value of Made-in-Ghana chocolate on the floor of Parliament as part of activities marking the National Chocolate Week.
While responding to questions on her sector, the Minister shared locally produced chocolate with Members of Parliament, the Speaker, and parliamentary clerks, using the occasion to deepen public conversation around Ghana’s cocoa and chocolate industry, globally recognised for its quality.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of the celebration, the Minister stressed the importance of intentional consumption of Ghanaian chocolate, describing it as “a brand, an identity, and an expression of love for our own products.”
She noted that locally produced chocolate played a critical role in job creation, particularly among young entrepreneurs and women across the value-chain.
Madam Gomashie said the growth of Ghana’s chocolate industry had enabled many families to sustain livelihoods, educate their children, and participate meaningfully in the economy.
“Job creation really puts food on the table, and so when more people are economically empowered, entire households and communities benefit,” she said.
She urged Ghanaians to prioritise local products, explaining that purchasing goods made in Ghana kept money within the local economy, while imported alternatives result in capital flight.
“Anytime you buy something produced outside Ghana, you are sending the money out of Ghana. So, I declare to commit to aggressively promote Ghanaian products.”
Madam Gomashie called on the public to join the national crusade to support local industries, challenging common excuses about taste and preference.
“We have to be intentional. Let us love our country enough to spend more money on what we produce,” the minister added.
The National Chocolate Week is an annual initiative aimed at promoting the consumption of locally manufactured chocolate.
It adds value to Ghana’s cocoa and strengthens national pride in one of the country’s most important natural resources.
By Hafsa Obeng, GNA