In Accra on Thursday, February 4, the National Chocolate Week 2021 was launched under the theme “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy and Grow Ghana”. The week-long celebration kicks off today, February 8, and ends on February 14.
National Chocolate Week 2021
The celebration according to COCOBOD is intended to promote and increase the consumption of chocolate confectionery, beverages, and chocolate-infused dishes. Also to bring to the forefront the various avenues available for local investors who wish to enter the cocoa processing industry.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Mr. Joseph Boahen noted that Ghana’s per capita consumption of cocoa was 0.53 kilogram. Which was far below the consumption rate in Europe and the Americas that lingered around 6.6 kilograms per capita consumption. He thus called for the need to step up per capita consumption of chocolate and other cocoa products in the country. This would boost the national economy and reduce the export of raw cocoa beans for processing.
Health Benefits of Cocoa
During the launch, he further encouraged Ghanaians to consume more chocolate and other cocoa related products daily since they contain antioxidants that fight against COVID-19.
According to COCOBOD research into the health benefits of the consumption of cocoa has revealed that cocoa contains iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants that could boost one’s immune system to resist the effects of COVID-19 on the human body.
Nana Agyenim Boateng, the Managing Director of Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) also spoke at the launch. He assured Ghanaians of CPC’s collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Food and Drugs Authority in the Week’s celebration. They will assist in the dissemination of vital information on health benefits of consuming chocolate and other cocoa related products to the public.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of the Vice-President, the Minister-designate for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the role that cocoa and chocolate plays in the lives of Ghanaians and their contribution to the nation’s growth and 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 said.
The Minister-designate for Information further expressed his joy in the increased popularity of chocolate and cocoa products.
“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 flavoured cocoa products in various forms,” Kojo Oppong Nkrumah expressed.
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