Accra, Jan 25, GNA - This year's Valentine Day would again be dubbed "National Chocolates Day" to promote the consumption of locally produced cocoa products, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations announced on Friday.
This year's Chocolates Day would be the second in the
series to promote Ghana as a preferred cocoa tourist
destination. Briefing the media in Accra on the event, Mr. Stephen
Asamoah Boateng, Sector Minister said Ghana's cocoa was a
hot product internationally because of its natural quality and
good taste. He said there was the need for private sector support to
invest in promoting cocoa by introducing innovative products,
which would attract consumers to patronize it. The Minister urged the Ghana Chef Association to be at a
forefront to promote cocoa consumption and urged the media
to also assist the Ministry in this direction. Mr Asamoah Boateng also urged the public to use
chocolate as a symbol of love and enjoy the health benefits
that come with eating cocoa products, saying "it will help you
to prevent heart diseases, certain cancers and makes
sportsmen stronger". Mr Ekwow Rhule, Public Relations Manager of Cocoa
Processing Company (CPC) said the company was happy to
partner government in the promotion of cocoa consumption. He said with the promotion of the campaign last year, the
CPC supplied three times the demand of chocolate during the
Valentine's Day alone, adding this did not even meet the
demand that day. Mr Rhule said the CPC would stock its depots with more
chocolates to avoid shortages this year. Ms. Cecilia Dei Annan, Public Affairs Manager, Nestle
Ghana Limited, said Nestle known in Ghana for the production
of a popular Milo beverage, would also support the campaign
and use its product Choco-Milo to promote the occasion. Mr Sam Allotey, Brand Manager for Cadbury Ghana
Limited, producers of Richoco, said the company was
committed to its social responsibility and would therefore help
promote the campaign. As part of the campaign, the Ministry will on February 14,
together with HelpAge Ghana, a non-governmental
organization and other partners donate to the aged to show
love and appreciation for their contribution to national
development. The Ministry in conjunction with Hot FM, an Accra based
radio station, would also organise a "Hot Chocolate Party" on
the same day. There would also be an exhibition of chocolate pastries and
food by chefs at the National Theatre in Accra in addition to
other programmes at the regional levels.