CHIEF IMAM URGES GREATER SUPPORT FOR COCOA CONSUMPTION TO PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH

Date: 28th February 2025

The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharabutu has appealed to Ghanaians to patronize the consumption of locally manufactured cocoa products as part of their contribution towards promoting healthy living. 

The Islamic Leader observed that since cocoa is an integral part of the country’s economy and a major source of employment for many youth, it is important that Ghanaians make its consumption an integral part of their lives to promote good health and enhance the country's economy.

The National Chief Imam made the appeal when a delegation from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) paid a courtesy call on him at his palace on Wednesday.

The visit was to officially inform him and his office about the 2025 National Chocolate Week celebration and to court his blessings and support towards the annual campaign to create awareness about the consumption of chocolate and other cocoa products.

Describing the campaign as a very important one, the Islamic Spiritual Leader, who addressed the delegation through his Spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw Anas, said it was worrying that despite all the numerous health and economic benefits derived from cocoa, “many Ghanaians still do not take full advantage of it to improve their health and develop the economy”

He therefore promised to use his office as a platform to help support the campaign and encourage Ghanaians, particularly the Muslim community to embrace the consumption of locally made cocoa products.

Sheikh Usman Sharabutu commended the management of COCOBOD and GTA for being consistent in their campaign to ensure healthy nutrition for Ghanaians.  

The delegation made donations of assorted chocolates and cocoa products to the office of the Islamic Leader.

A member of the delegation, Mr. Kenneth Ampofo, on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude to the National Chief Imam for the warmth reception and the opportunity to convey the National Chocolate Week message through his august office.

This year’s National Chocolate Week Celebration is under the theme “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana”. 

The week-long celebration involved other series of activities such as Church Visitations, Exhibition of Cocoa and Chocolate Products, Time with School Children, Cocoa Quiz Competition for National Service Personnel, Chief Executive’s visit to Cocoa Communities, Melting Moments, as well as Street Float and Chocolate Feast Climax.