GHANA MAKES GIANT STRIDES IN PER CAPITA COCOA CONSUMPTION

Date: 08th February 2024

Ghana has increased its per capita cocoa consumption from 0.45kg to 1kg through the successful implementation of various interventions. 

Announcing this during the media launch of the 2024 National Chocolate Week, the Deputy Chief Executive, Finance and Administration of COCOBOD, Mr. Emmanuel Ray Ankrah, in a speech read on behalf of the Chief Executive, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, revealed that over the past few years, promoting cocoa consumption through the Chocolate Week and other initiatives has led to a shift in the domestic consumption patterns among Ghanaians.

“Through targeted campaigns, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, we have witnessed a gradual shift in consumer attitudes towards locally produced cocoa products and this has translated into the realization of a per capita consumption of 1kg” he stated.

On the back of this, he encouraged stakeholders not to be complacent but to rather work harder towards achieving greater strides in the campaign for cocoa consumption in Ghana.

“‘Of course, we cannot be complacent about this accomplishment, especially given the fact that elsewhere in Europe and the Americas, per capita cocoa consumption ranges from 7kg to 11kg. Instead, we feel more motivated to consolidate the gains made and enhance our key strategic focus areas to achieve maximum impact”, he said.

The Deputy CE assured the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) that enough cocoa beans would be made available to them to facilitate the production of more chocolate products to meet public demands.

The National Chocolate Week was initiated three years ago by COCOBOD in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority to celebrate Ghana’s rich cocoa heritage and promote the campaign for local consumption of cocoa and its products.

Mr. Ankrah explained that the National Chocolate Week is not only aimed at promoting consumption but also at educating and engaging the public on the nutritional benefits of cocoa as well as fostering a sense of pride in cocoa.

Reiterating this, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr Akwasi Agyemang, emphasized the importance of the National Chocolate Week adding that it has served the purpose of promoting awareness and drawing attention to the experience of the unique flavours that Ghana cocoa provide.

“The National Chocolate Week is important because it allows us to promote awareness of the significance of the industry and also to attract visitors to experience the unique flavours and heritage associated with cocoa production”, he said.