Accra: The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has launched the 2025 National Chocolate Week Celebrations, urging hospitality facilities across Ghana to integrate chocolates and cocoa-based products into their menus.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the GTA in Charge of Operations, encouraged hospitality establishments and airlines to distribute complimentary chocolates to patrons on February 14 as a gesture of love and care. He highlighted the numerous health benefits of chocolate consumption, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke, improving brain function, and boosting athletic performance, particularly when the chocolate contains at least 70 percent cacao content.

Mr. Sampson noted that the annual chocolate week celebrations have shifted the focus of Ghanaians towards gifting chocolate as a symbol of love, giving Valentine's Day a healthier orientation. This initiative aligns with the GTA's marketing campaign to boost domestic tourism by emphasizing local content and encouraging Ghanaians to consume local products, thereby reducing dependence on foreign and imported goods.

The Deputy CEO pointed out that the sustained celebration of National Chocolate Week has contributed to a significant increase in per capita cocoa consumption in Ghana from 0.45 kilograms to 1 kilogram over the past five to seven years. This shift in consumer attitudes has raised awareness about the nutritional and cultural significance of cocoa, enhancing national pride.

Mr. Micheal Ekow Annan of COCOBOD emphasized Ghana's potential to fully benefit from its status as the second-largest producer of cocoa. He noted that promoting local cocoa consumption could stabilize the market for farmers and reduce reliance on global markets. Mr. Annan stressed the importance of reinforcing cocoa's role in Ghana's cultural identity and economy by incentivizing domestic chocolate processing centers.

Mrs. Betty Kobi, Director of Marketing at GTA, outlined the program for the week-long celebration, which includes church visits, exhibitions, a golden bean recipe battle, and a cocoa quiz competition. The festivities will culminate with a street float and chocolate feast on February 14. She also mentioned that GTA's regional offices will visit pediatric units in regional hospitals to celebrate the occasion with patients.

The theme for this year's celebration, held in collaboration with the Cocoa Processing Company, is 'Eat chocolate, stay healthy, grow Ghana', with a sub-theme of 'Chocolate for all: taste, share and care'.