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GTA and COCOBOD Launch 2024 National Chocolate Week Celebrations
The Ghana Tourism Authority in collaboration with COCOBOD and Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) will celebrate the National Chocolate Week under the theme “EAT CHOCOLATE, STAY HEALTHY, GROW GHANA” and sub themed: “EXPLORE GHANA, EAT CHOCOLATE ”.
Yesterday, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Cocoa Board and partners under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, launched the 2024 National Chocolate Week Celebration at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC).
This year’s celebration is under the theme: “Eat Chocolate🍫, Stay Healthy💪🏾, Grow Ghana 🇬🇭” and sub-theme, ‘Explore Ghana, Eat Chocolate’.
Launching the event on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Seth Adjei Baah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority said “Ghana is Cocoa and Cocoa is Ghana” and there is the need for Ghanaians to acknowledge all players adding value to cocoa to help grow the economy of Ghana.
On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman asked Ghanaians to embrace cocoa and chocolate, and join in the efforts in positioning Ghana as a cocoa/chocolate destination.
The Deputy CEO of Cocoa Board, Mr. Ray Ankrah, said as part of their efforts to further enhance the already increased consumption levels of cocoa, the COCOBOD has put in place steps to enable artisanal cocoa producers to purchase beans directly from their Cocoa Marketing wing. The Managing Director of CPC, Mr. Kojo Ofori Sarpong assured the public that there would be enough chocolates for everyone this year.
Activities for this year would be centered at the Chocolate City at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, which would host an exhibition for Chocolatier, Family Day and School Children Day, Cook-Off competition, Cocoa Quiz Competition for Senior High Schools, and a Chocolatarium (summit for chocolate industry players).
Other activities include a Tour With A Bar of Chocolate and visits to churches and mosques, Cocoa Quiz Competition for Senior High Schools and Sharing of Chocolates at Tourist Sites across all 16 regions of Ghana.
In addition, the partners intend to create Chocolate Zones in selected regional capitals to provide visibility for the consumption campaign and serve as a one-stop for the sale of cocoa products during the week-long celebration.
#ChocolateWeek2024 #ChocolateCity #EatChocolate #StayHealthy , #GrowGhana #NationalChocolateWeek #EatGhanaChocolate
About National Chocolate Week
The National Chocolate Week Celebration begun in 2021 as part of the renewed marketing and promotion collaboration amongst stakeholders to expand the scope of the Chocolate Day celebration. Since then, the Chocolate Day celebration which was instituted in 2005 became the Chocolate Week with a new logo and expanded activities. The Ministry of Tourism instituted the Chocolate day to coincide with Valentine’s Day which falls on 14th February every year, to boost the domestic consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and other cocoa-based products. Over the years, the celebration has been held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The annual week-long celebration has been a partnership between the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Cocoa Board and the Cocoa Processing Company and other Chocolatiers.
GTA, COCOCBOD, CPC Launches National Chocolate Week 2023
The 18th National Chocolate Week has been launched successfully at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) on Tuesday 7th February, 2023.
The brief occasion which was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority, and in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board, FAIRAFRIC Ghana Limited and the Cocoa Processing Company is under the theme, “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana”.
Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Information, who was the keynote speaker for the National Chocolate Week Launch, together with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey launched this year’s National Chocolate Week celebration, with a call for the country to focus on processing more cocoa beans locally and consumption chocolate and Cocoa based products.
According to Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, focusing on the processing of cocoa is a sure way to increase the country’s chances of raking in substantially from the over USD150 billion in revenues accrued from the global chocolate confectionery industry annually.
He also called on Ghanaians to rally around the cocoa consumption promotion agenda and “see it as a national duty”.
The Deputy Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey said the active collaboration between the GTA, COCOBOD and Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), as well as other partners, to transform the National Chocolate Day into the National Chocolate Week has provided a longer period of engagement and has increased awareness creation to further stimulate the consumption of chocolate and cocoa based products.
“We have managed to establish a high degree of association between tourism and cocoa-based products one of which is chocolate, and positioned it as a veritable component of the Ghana tourism experience”. He opined
He again hinted on the socio-economic benefits of the National Chocolate Week, that he said has brought the increased in local consumption of chocolate and other cocoa based products and that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture will continue to actively support the National Chocolate Week Celebration.
Mr. Mac Manu, Board Chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board who doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, said the Board was particularly interested in moving the country beyond the leading producer of premium cocoa beans globally to the leading processor and consumer of premium cocoa. He said they had introduced policies and liaised with various key stakeholders to create a conducive environment for cocoa processing, especially for small-scale producers. “While pushing for avenues for increased local processing, we also have the duty to help build a reliable market base locally for our processors, which makes the celebration of the Chocolate Week Celebration even more important.”
Mr Manu encouraged stakeholders to see the success of this year’s National Chocolate Week Celebration as a critical national assignment and urged Ghanaians to actively promote and participate in the various programme of activities lined up for the celebration.
Mr. Ray Ankrah, Deputy CEO in Charge of Finance and Administration at the COCOBOD who read a statement on behalf of Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board said a number of Productivity Enhancement Programmes (PEPs) which is aimed at increasing the annual cocoa production output have been laid out. ”While these efforts are laudable on the production end of the cocoa value chain, there is also the need to add value to our cocoa in terms of processing and additionally, increase consumption through the creation of awareness on its health and nutritional benefits” he added.
Mr. Ankrah again hinted that, some current tax regimes are affecting the efforts of COCOBOD to get more entrepreneurs into cocoa processing and value addition, especially those who are into small scale manufacturing. However, discussions are ongoing with the relevant state agencies to have taxes paid by artisanal chocolate manufacturers reduced or scrapped to reduce cost of operation in order to make them more competitive.
According to him, another challenge identified in the artisanal chocolate industry is the skill sets of the industry players. “I am however happy to report that we have engaged a Belgium chocolate company that will soon set up a chocolate academy to start training and polishing the skills of our chocolate makers”.
“Aside the National Committee for Promotion of Cocoa Consumption which works to create awareness for increased local consumption, another Committee has been tasked to work on market access and opportunities within the African Intercontinental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Furthermore, North America and the largely untapped Asian Market have proven to be good markets for our processed cocoa products and a tailor-made strategy is being fashioned out to help us penetrate these promising markets” he continued.
Programmes lined up for the celebration include a health walk, family day out and variety show at the Chocolate City, church visitations, time with school children, meeting moments across the regions, couples’ night out, and donations.
Other dignitaries present at the event were Chief Director Ministry of Tourism, Arts And Culture, Mr. John Yao Agbeko, Mr. Ben Anane Nsiah Deputy CEO In Charge of General Services, Ghana Tourism Authority, Nana Ansong Marketing Manager of CPC, Mrs. Alisa Osei Asamoah, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Managing Director of FAIRAFRIC Ghana Ltd, Mr. Michael Mammon Halm, Nana Ama of FAIRAFRIC Marketing team, Council Member of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), Mrs. Stella Appenteng, Representatives of the GIPC and GEPA, Ms. Anita Quarshie of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Representatives of Cargill Ghana, Niche Cocoa, Chocomac, Barry Callebaut, Covaaagh, Cocoshe, World Cocoa Foundation(WCF) etc.
Jake Obetsebi Lamptey Honoured At National Chocolate Day Celebration
The Ghana Tourism Authority has honoured the late Jake Okanta Obetsebi Lamptey during the climax durbar to mark the celebrations of the 2020 National Chocolate Day at the Alisa Hotel on 14th February. He was honoured for his immense contribution in spearheading the institution of the National Chocolate Day in 2005 when he was the Minister of Tourism.
A citation and chocolate hamper was presented to the wife, Mrs. Esther Obetsebi Lamptey by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, who was supported by the Paramount Chief of the Osu Traditional Area, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Alhaji Abdulai Yakubu, the Board Chair of GTA, Madam Adelaide Ahwireng, Board Member of COCOBOD, Nana Ama Dokuah, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of CPC, Nana Agyenim Boateng, President of GHATOF, Madam Bella Ahu, representatives from the public and private sector.
According to the citation, the Late Obetsebi Lamptey’s initiative has played an essential role in boosting the local consumption of chocolate and other cocoa-based products, as well as domestic tourism. In addition, it has created awareness of the health benefits of chocolate.
The Management of CPC pledged their support to supply the Late Hon. Jake’ family with chocolate and cocoa based products every month.
Chocolate Day 2020: Ghana Tourism Authority Surprises Media With Cakes & Hampers
It was the true ‘Chocolate Experience as the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), as part of the National Chocolate Day celebration last Friday, presented Made- In-Ghana Cocoa-based goodies to some media houses in Accra to mark the day.
The surprise gifts, which were presented to TV and Radio Stations during Friday’s Morning Shows, included a chocolate cake and a hamper filled with Ghana’s quality Golden Tree products such as chocolate bars, chocolate spread, chocolate drink and many other local cocoa-based products. The Print media was also not left out as Daily Graphic, Times and Daily Guide were also part of the surprise visits.
Led by the Minister of Tourism; Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the visit to the media houses and corporate bodies is part of measures to promote Ghana chocolate and Made in Ghana cocoa products. Some of the media houses visited include GTV, TV3, GH ONE, ATINKA TV, CITI TV, ADOM TV, 3FM, JOY FM, Y FM and HAPPY FM.
February 14 is celebrated globally as Valentine’s Day. In Ghana, it is observed as the National Chocolate Day. The theme for this year’s celebration was “My Chocolate Experience: My Holistic Well-being“. The activities for this year’s celebration included a health screening exercise at Anum Apapamu, a cocoa farming community near Suhum, visits to Children’s wards in hospitals across the country as well as a Photo and Art Competition. These events were climaxed with a Chocolate Experience Exhibition at Alisa Hotel.
The National Chocolate Day was introduced in 2005 by a then Minister of Tourism, the late Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey as a way of boosting the domestic consumption of Made-in-Ghana chocolate and other cocoa-based products, promote domestic tourism as and enhance companies in Ghana’s cocoa industry such as the Cocoa Processing Company, Ghana Cocoa Board and others.
By: Collins Ackwerh / Digital Marketing
Elorm Ntem and Derrick Okanta win in 2020 Chocolate Day Competitions
As part of activities leading up to the 2020 Chocolate Day celebration, the Ghana Tourism Authority put up a digital media campaign inviting the public to share images of themselves consuming their favourite Made-in-Ghana cocoa or chocolate product to stand a chance of winning prizes. Several people put up entries and in the end, Elorm Ntem, a student of the University of Health and Allied Sciences went home with a beautiful hamper of Cocoa and Chocolate products. Her photos drew admiration for her.
Cocoa Arts Competition
On the other hand, the ‘Cocoa Art Competition’ organized by Ghana Tourism Authority was the first of its kind. Craftsmen communicated the cocoa story of Ghana in their own particular manner through artistic creation. In all, we had 11 participants, which includes 10 males and 1 Female. Participants came up with their own painting telling the cocoa story of Ghana.
At the end of the event, three winners were selected by the Jury for coming up with great concepts. All other participants were not left out as their efforts were acknowledged which saw them go home with products from COCOBOD, CPC and Niche Cocoa who were partners of the event. Derrick was accompanied by the mother to receive his prize.
Derrick Okanta, Rodney Osei Aboagye, Richmond Adjei emerged as 1st, 2ndand 3rdin the cocoa art competition respectively as their artworks won the hearts of the Jury and many that attended. The winners received cash prizes of 3000.00, 2000.00 and 1500.00 respectively in addition to products from event partners.
Winners were presented their prizes at the My Chocolate Experience durbar and Exhibition held at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge on the 14thof February 2020.
Chocolate Day 2020: Over 600 Cocoa Farmers Receive Free Health Screening And Cocoa Products
Inhabitants of Anum Apapamu, a cocoa farming community near Suhum in the Eastern Region have benefitted from free cocoa drinks and medical screening organized by Ghana Cocoa Board in collaboration with the Cocoa Processing Company ahead of the upcoming National Chocolate Day Celebration slated for 14th February.
Speaking at a durbar of farmers at Apapamu, the Chief Pharmacist at the Cocoa Clinic, Accra, Dr. Edward Amporful said that over the past 15 years, National Chocolate Day activities had been held mostly in the cities adding the decision to have organized a free health screening at a cocoa community to as part of the celebration reinforces COCOBOD’s commitment to improving the well-being of its gallant cocoa farmers.
Dr. Amporful further observed that the Board and the Cocoa Processing Company had made available chocolate drinks to serve all farmers and their relatives who would be screened as part of the exercise.
”Oftentimes, we have been organizing Chocolate Day in Accra, Kumasi and the other cities. But this time around the Board directed that the day should be marked with free medical care and cocoa drinks for our cocoa farmers”, he disclosed.
Dr. Amporful urged the farmers to consume cocoa regularly in order to stay healthy, energized and refreshed for their daily activities. According to him, diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, malaria and other conditions such as stress, fatigue, and memory loss could be controlled by taking cocoa regularly.
‘The cocoa you cultivate has a lot of essential minerals that help in the general maintenance of the body- cocoa is known to have minerals which can help you overcome tiredness, stress, hypertension and other health conditions including diabetes, so consume it’, he emphasized.
Over 600 cocoa farmers mostly from Owuram, Mfrano, Suhum, Okanta, Obuoho Sowatey, Kofi Pare, Abochikrom and others, were screened for diabetes, hypertension, Hepatitis B &C, Malaria and breast lumps and farmers with cases identified to be serious were advised to visit the nearest health facility for a thorough examination.
Meanwhile, the 2020 National Chocolate Day is being marked under the theme, ‘My Chocolate Experience; My holistic well-being’ with the climax of the celebration slated for 14th February at the Alisa Hotel, Accra.
Chocolate Day has since 2005 been observed to create awareness on the health and nutritional benefits of cocoa and the need for regular intake of cocoa products.
Read More: About Chocolate Day
National Chocolate Day 2020 Celebration Launched
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and Cocoa Processing Company have launched this year’s National Chocolate Day.
At the launch of the event today at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi whose speech was read by Madam Adelaide Ahwireng; Chairperson of the Ghana Tourism Authority said it is important for all Ghanaians to promote the consumption of Made in Ghana chocolate and cocoa based products and also position cocoa and the chocolate experience as a strong element of the Ghana tourism experience. This has been largely successful and the National Chocolate Day is now an important feature of the tourism calendar of events.
The National Chocolate Day which falls on February 14 was instituted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2005 under the leadership of Hon. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey of blessed memory, in collaboration with GTA, COCOBOD and Cocoa Processing company and other stakeholders to create awareness of the health benefits of cocoa-based chocolate products and to promote the consumption of Ghanaian Chocolate and increase in domestic tourism. Mr Isaac Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Ghana Tourism Authority appreciated the support of some sponsors namely, Alisa Hotels and Stedna School of Baking and Confectionery and stressed on the contribution of this event which has come to stay and has become part of the tourism calendar of events.
The Marketing Manager of the Cocoa Processing Company, Nana Agyeman Ansong stated that Ghana Cocoa is known as the best in the world and also the Ghana Chocolate has become a National Cultural Identity. He took the opportunity to outline the several new brands of products the company has outdoored to meet the varying tastes of the public.
The 2020 National Chocolate Day is under the theme, “My Chocolate Experience, My holistic Wellbeing’”. Activities for the celebration of the National Chocolate Day have begun with a digital campaign competition by the GTA with the HashTag, #MyChocolateExperience#ChocolateDay2020#EatGhana.