Ghana celebrates chocolate and culture at National Chocolate Week 2025

“By celebrating National Chocolate Day, we are not only promoting our local chocolate industry but also showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture and hospitality,” declared Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, at the climax of National Chocolate Week held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Friday February 14, 2025.

The event featured an exciting mix of music, poetry recitals, and exhibitions of locally produced cocoa products, all themed “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,” with the sub-theme “Chocolate for all: Taste, Share and Care.”

Hon. Gomashie emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing the chocolate industry, viewing cocoa as a symbol of national pride and economic strength.

She paid tribute to Tetteh Quashie, the farmer who first introduced cocoa beans to Ghana in the late 19th century.

“We honor the farmers who transform this prestigious crop into the sweet delight that brings joy to millions worldwide,” she stated.

The Minister urged attendees to engage in Chocolate Experience events across the country, encouraging them to enjoy the rich flavors of local chocolates while learning about cocoa.

“As we eat chocolate, stay healthy, and grow Ghana, let us continue to promote our local chocolates, support our cocoa farmers, and preserve our cultural heritage,” she added.

Echoing this call for support, Maame Afua Houadjeto, the CEO of GTA, stressed the need for more chocolatiers and entrepreneurs to enter the cocoa market and stimulate domestic consumption.

“The more domestic chocolatiers and nuanced products there are on the local market, the better our chances of deepening the local taste and demand,” she noted.

Houadjeto also highlighted the importance of incorporating cocoa farm visits into tourism packages, which would educate tourists on the health benefits and economic impact of cocoa on Ghana’s economy.

In his remarks read by a representative, Dr. Randy Abbey, Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), shared that the organization’s new management would focus on increasing the export of value-added cocoa products.

He invited local and foreign investors to view Ghana as a prime destination for cocoa processing, emphasizing government initiatives aimed at facilitating investment in the cocoa industry.

As National Chocolate Week came to a close, the celebration reinforced Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to nurturing its cocoa industry, promising exciting prospects for local producers and the broader economy.

Source:Joseph Wemakor

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