WCF, COCOBOD GIFT CHOCOLATES TO FARMERS AND THEIR WARDS ON CHOCOLATE DAY

Date: 28th February 2025

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and COCOBOD embarked on a community engagement initiative to educate cocoa farmers and students on the health benefits of consuming natural cocoa as part of the 2025 National Chocolate Week celebrations.

The WCF delegation, led by Country Manager Baaba Wood, and COCOBOD, represented by Dr. Mercy Asamoah, Rector of Bunso Cocoa College, visited cocoa-growing communities, including Boso, Etukrom, Kwamena, and Bunso. The engagement aimed to promote cocoa consumption while encouraging best farming practices to improve cocoa quality.

Speaking to pupils from selected schools in these communities, Madam Baaba Wood emphasised the importance of education and encouraged students to remain committed to their studies. She advised them against skipping classes and urged them to focus on their academic pursuits.

Presenting WCF-sponsored chocolates from the organization's partners, she highlighted the cognitive benefits of cocoa consumption. 

"Cocoa contains essential ingredients that help you retain what you have learned. Make it a habit to drink and eat more cocoa-based products. But do not forget that you must be in school always so that you can realize your dreams in life," she stated.

Addressing cocoa farmers at various locations, Dr. Mercy Asamoah underscored the need for farmers to ferment their cocoa beans properly to maintain quality standards required to produce premium quality chocolate. She also encouraged them to incorporate cocoa into their daily diet for better health.

She used the opportunity to promote admission into Bunso Cocoa College, detailing its training programmes in agronomy, extension services, and other courses designed to equip students with skills for future employment in the cocoa sector and related areas within the value chain.

She commended the farmers for their hard work towards sustaining Ghana’s cocoa industry, which remains a key driver of the country’s socio-economic development.

"This year, we feel highly privileged to visit you in your communities to share the joy of National Chocolate Week and to acknowledge your hard work in sustaining this great industry," she noted.

The 2025 National Chocolate Week was marked across Ghana’s cocoa-growing regions to encourage increased cocoa consumption and promote its numerous health benefits.

The distribution of chocolates to farmers and their children symbolises a renewed effort by the two entities to motivate cocoa growers and their families in an efforts at recognising their crucial role in upholding Ghana’s reputation as a leading cocoa producer.