COCOBOD TO PRIORITISE PROMOTING COCOA CONSUMPTION AMONG SCHOOLS

Date: 05th June 2025

Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has indicated plans to intensify its campaign on local cocoa consumption across all levels of education by actively engaging schools to instil the habit of cocoa consumption among students. 

This move supports efforts at boosting per capita cocoa consumption nationwide and fostering a culture of appreciation for one of Ghana’s most valuable natural resources.

This announcement was made in a statement delivered by Mr. David Asare Oduro, Principal Public Affairs Officer on behalf of the Head of Public Affairs of COCOBOD, Mr. Jerome Kwaku Sam, during the grand finale of the ONGA National Culinary Competition 2025 held at Achimota School in Accra for senior high schools.  

Mr. Sam remarked that cocoa contains antioxidant properties called polyphenols, which function as a “blood thinner” to keep the human body active at all times.

The Head of Public Affairs disclosed further that regular intake of cocoa boosts the cognitive domain among children and energises them to excel in their academic work.

He hinted that if children begin consuming cocoa at an early stage, the effect would be enormous on their ability to recall what they have been taught by their teachers. 

“I can confirm by my own experience that when a child is introduced to consuming cocoa at an early stage, their cognitive ability is great”, he said.

He lauded the consistent collaboration between COCOBOD and the organisers of the programme which, according to him, has culminated to Ghana achieving a remarkable per capita consumption of 1 kg in 2024 and reiterated COCOBOD’s readiness to strengthen the partnership in the future.

“Ghana achieved an increase in per capita consumption from 500g to 1 kg and we are not hesitant to attribute this enviable feat to the organizers of this event,” he added. 

There were solidarity messages from representatives from the National Commission on Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Arts and the organisers.