By Enoch 
Today, February 14th, marks a special day in Ghana – National Chocolate Day. This day, celebrated in tandem with Valentine’s Day, is not just about romance but also about honoring Ghana’s rich cocoa heritage and promoting the consumption of chocolate.
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The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in COCOBOD and other stakeholders, has organized a week-long celebration under the theme “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana” .
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The Significance of Cocoa in Ghana
Cocoa has been the backbone of Ghana’s economy for decades. As the second-largest cocoa producer in the world, Ghana’s cocoa industry employs over 800,000 farmers and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings.
Beyond its economic value, cocoa is a key ingredient in chocolate, which is not just a sweet treat but also an essential part of promoting good health and emotional well-being. Research shows that chocolate consumption helps reduce stress, enhances mood, and improves heart health, making it a vital part of our lifestyle and traditions.
The Celebration
The National Day celebration began in 2005 to coincide with Valentine’s Day, aiming to boost the domestic consumption of Ghanaian cocoa products. Over the years, the celebration has grown, with various activities organized to promote the health benefits of it and highlight Ghana’s cocoa heritage.
This year, the celebration includes media engagement and sensitization, a chocolate drink stand, a float and it’s feast, and activations at the Kotoka International Airport.
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People’s Response
The response from Ghanaians has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people have embraced the celebration, participating in various activities and spreading the word about the importance of cocoa and chocolate. The Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform has urged Ghanaians to unite in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) to protect cocoa farms and secure the future of the chocolate industry.
In Tema, the Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority celebrated National Chocolate Day with children at the Tema General Hospital Children’s ward. The staff shared bars of chocolate with the children, giving them hope and joy. Madam Gifty Offeibea Koranteng, the Director of the GTA Tema Office, emphasized the theme “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana” and highlighted the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles.
In Sefwi-Wiawso, the Western North Regional branch of the Ghana Tourism Authority celebrated the day with patients at the Paediatric unit of the Wiawso Government Hospital. Each child on admission was given bars of chocolates and toffees made with cocoa, bringing smiles to their faces. Nurses and other staff at the facility also received chocolates, showing care and love towards the children.
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Voices from the Community
The response from the community has been heartwarming. Parents whose children were on admission at the hospital commended the Ghana Tourism Authority for showing love to their kids and appealed to other institutions to emulate this gesture. Lucy Nkansah Boateng, a Paediatric nurse in charge of the ward, lauded the GTA for their thoughtfulness and encouraged parents to inculcate the habit of eating it in their children due to its nutritional value.
Looking Ahead
As the celebration continues, the Ghana Tourism Authority and other stakeholders are optimistic about the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry. Nana Agyemang Ansong, the Sales and Marketing Manager for the Cocoa Processing Company of Ghana, urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to make this Day’s celebration viral. He emphasized the importance of promoting the consumption of chocolate and other cocoa products to boost the country’s economy and create more jobs
Supporting Our Own
This Day in Ghana is more than just a celebration of chocolate; it is a celebration of Ghana’s rich cocoa heritage and the hard work of cocoa farmers. The positive response from Ghanaians shows the importance of this tradition and the love for chocolate in the country. As we enjoy the sweet treats today, let us also remember to support the cocoa industry and protect our cocoa farms for future generations.
