Ghana Celebrates National Chocolate Week 2025 to boost the cocoa industry

13-02-25

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with COCOBOD and the Cocoa Processing Company, has announced National Chocolate Week 2025, to be held from 3 to 14 February. Under the theme "Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana", the initiative seeks to promote the consumption of cocoa products and highlight their importance to the country's health, economy and culture.

Established in 2005 to coincide with Valentine's Day, the celebration has evolved from a single day to a full week since 2021, with events and activities that reinforce the link between cocoa and national identity. Ghana, as one of the largest cocoa producers in the world, is now looking to strengthen its local processing capacity and increase domestic chocolate consumption, reducing its dependence on exports of unprocessed beans.

During National Chocolate Week 2025, a number of activities will take place to raise awareness of the benefits of cocoa and its impact on the economy. These include media campaigns, visits to children's hospitals to distribute chocolate, food fairs and exhibitions on cocoa production. Tasting and awareness-raising events will also be held at Kotoka International Airport, where travellers will receive chocolate samples and learn about the benefits of cocoa and its economic impact.

During National Chocolate Week 2025, various activities will be carried out to raise awareness of the benefits of cocoa and its impact on the economy. These include media campaigns, visits to children's hospitals to distribute chocolate, food fairs and exhibitions on cocoa production. Tasting and awareness-raising events will also be held at Kotoka International Airport, where travellers will receive chocolate samples and learn more about the country's cocoa industry.

The promotion of cocoa tourism is a key pillar of this celebration. In recent years, specialised cocoa tourism routes have been developed, allowing visitors to explore plantations, factories and artisanal chocolate shops. These experiences have gained popularity among national and international tourists, strengthening Ghana's position as a gastronomic and cultural destination.

One of the highlights of the week will be the chocolate parade and feast in the main streets of Accra, culminating at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. In addition, hotels and restaurants across the country will join the initiative by incorporating special chocolate menus, ranging from desserts to innovative main courses. On 14 February, these establishments will also offer complimentary chocolates to their customers, reinforcing the connection between cocoa and the celebration of love and friendship.

The Ghanaian government has reiterated its commitment to increase cocoa processing capacity locally. The global chocolate industry currently generates more than $150 billion annually, and Ghana is seeking to gain a greater share of this market by encouraging the production of high quality chocolate within the country. To this end, training programmes have been implemented for young entrepreneurs interested in the manufacture and marketing of cocoa products, with the aim of diversifying supply and adding greater value to domestic production.

The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has emphasised that the future of the Ghanaian cocoa industry depends on its transformation and not only on the export of beans. Similarly, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mark Okraku Mantey, stressed that the synergy between tourism and cocoa production is positioning Ghana as a benchmark destination in the chocolate industry.

The Chairman of the Board of COCOBOD, Mac Manu, said measures are being taken to improve conditions for farmers and ensure fair prices for their crops. Discussions have also been initiated with government agencies to reduce or eliminate taxes affecting artisanal chocolate producers, thus facilitating the growth of the sector.

Through National Chocolate Week, Ghana not only celebrates the richness of its cocoa, but also seeks to consolidate its chocolate industry, encourage local consumption and position itself as a leader in the production of quality chocolate. With the active participation of various institutions, businesses and citizens, this celebration promises to be a key step towards the transformation of the country's cocoa economy.