The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is calling on Ghanaians to increase their consumption of locally produced cocoa products in order to improve their health and stimulate national economic growth.
According to Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of GTA, increasing the consumption of cocoa products will lead to a boost in production, which will in turn create employment opportunities in the value chain for suppliers, producers, and wholesalers.
To promote this initiative, the GTA is partnering with key stakeholders to raise awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of cocoa, with a particular focus on chocolate, in an effort to drive up local production and consumption.
This call to action was emphasized during a health walk and cocoa exhibition organized by the GTA, in collaboration with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), and Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) as part of activities for this year’s National Chocolate Week celebration.
The health walk, which took participants through the streets of Accra, aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of cocoa consumption, not only in urban areas but also in cocoa-producing and rural areas.
Highlighting the health benefits of cocoa products, especially chocolate, Mr. Agyeman stressed the nutrient-rich qualities of cocoa and urged every Ghanaian to consume cocoa to boost their immune system.
Furthermore, Mr. Agyeman called on players in the hospitality industry to promote cocoa products, such as chocolate, to both local and foreign visitors, emphasizing that the addition of cocoa to breakfast options in hotels and restaurants can contribute to increasing consumption.
In support of the health benefits, Dr. Edward Ampofo, Chief Pharmacist at Cocoa Clinic, highlighted how an increase in cocoa consumption could significantly contribute to the growth of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and thus positively impact the economy.
Dr. Ampofo also addressed the issue of destroying cocoa farms for mining and indicated that COCOBOD is implementing policies to protect cocoa farms as an offense to touch a cocoa farm; a clear indication of support for cocoa farms in the country.
It is worth noting that the theme for this year’s National Chocolate Week is “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,” reflecting the goal of promoting the consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and boosting domestic tourism.
The introduction of National Chocolate Week in 2005 by the Ministry of Tourism aimed to change the perception of Valentine’s Day and promote the consumption of chocolate in Ghana. This initiative seeks to transform the widely held belief that Valentine’s Day promotes immoral conduct among the youth.
As a parting shot, the GTA and its partners urge Ghanaians to embrace the consumption of locally produced cocoa products for the benefit of their health and the growth of the national economy.
