The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has launched the 2021 National Chocolate Week Celebration which begins on February 8 – February 14, 2021, to promote the consumption of chocolate confectionery, beverages, and other cocoa products in Ghana.
The 2021 National Chocolate Week Celebration is dubbed ‘Eat Chocolate; Stay Healthy; Grow Ghana.’
Launching the celebration at the Marriott Hotel in Accra on behalf of the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Minister of Information-designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the special role that cocoa and chocolate plays in the lives of Ghanaians and its impact on national development.
“Every Ghanaian, in one way or the other, derives benefit from cocoa. From foreign exchange earning to employment, food and beverages, cosmetics to the provision of social and infrastructural amenities, the cocoa business is one that can best be described as an essential and robust one with several untapped opportunities.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ministry of Information Designate
The Minister of Information Designate stated that among all the activities within the cocoa value chain, one aspect that requires attention is local consumption.
“I have been told that Ghana’s current per capita consumption hovers around 0.52kg whereas elsewhere on the globe, and mainly among non-cocoa producing countries, per capita consumption ranges between 3-11kg.
“Fortunately for us, the popularity of chocolate and cocoa products is growing in the country. Ghanaians are beginning to understand and appreciate the health benefits of cocoa and its related products, resulting in increased demand for high-quality good flavored cocoa products in various forms.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ministry of Information Designate
He therefore mentioned that Ghana has an ambitious target of raising local consumption of cocoa and cocoa products, and increasing processing of cocoa, adding that the government has stepped up efforts to provide support for entrepreneurs and investors interested in cocoa processing and value-addition.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo said the National Chocolate Week is part of a bigger drive by the cocoa regulator to promote local processing of cocoa to boost cocoa consumption among Ghanaians.
“COCOBOD is poised to strengthen its incentive packages to help local processors and artisanal chocolate makers expand their businesses. The incentives will ensure that the processors are able to access more beans and produce more chocolates and other cocoa products for the consuming public.
“It will also be crucial in ensuring that 50% of cocoa produced annually is processed locally to support the high demand and taste for cocoa products in Ghana and beyond.”
Joseph Boahen Aidoo, COCOBOD CEO
He indicated that the country is aiming to boost per capita cocoa consumption to around 6 or 8kg, as is the case in some European countries. He, then thanked cocoa farmers for their invaluable role in the world’s cocoa value chain.
“We have great support from our cocoa farmers and other stakeholders within the cocoa value chain and I would like to seize this opportunity to commend our illustrious farmers in particular for their efforts at producing the best quality cocoa for the confectionery market the world over.”
A song by Kofi Kinaata titled ‘Chocolate’ was also launched to promote the consumption of cocoa products.
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