The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, says the Mahama-led government would take advantage of the US$130.72 billion global chocolate market to create job opportunities for Ghanaians.

In a statement read on the floor of Parliament on Friday, February 14, to mark the 2025 National Chocolate Day, Madam Ofosu-Adjare said the global chocolate market value is expected to increase to US$172 billion by 2030, noting that, government would increase investment in the cocoa industry.

She said the government would promote a new strategic cocoa industry through value addition and investment to increase export.

The government, she said, would also set up cocoa colleges, factories in cocoa growing areas, promote cocoa pensions and welfare for cocoa farmers.

The minister announced plans to supply pest resilient cocoa seedlings and inputs and, thus, advocated the need for social responsibility and fair-trade practices for players in the cocoa industry.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare congratulated all gallant cocoa farmers, processors, and actors within the cocoa supply value chain for the pivotal roles they had played in promoting economic growth.

Earlier, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in a statement, encouraged Ghanaians to give and share chocolates with friends, family members and loved ones to promote the patronage of cocoa products.

The minister indicated that celebrating chocolate day would foster unity, national pride and promote domestic tourism and underscored the need for fair trade in the cocoa industry.

As part of the celebration, Madam Dzifa Gomashie said Golden Tree Chocolate bars would be given to passengers and tourists arriving at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to promote Ghanaian chocolates brand.

Also, a chocolate tree stand would be mounted across Offices of the Ghana Tourism Authority to supply free chocolate drinks to staff and visitors of the Authority.

The week-long celebration was on the theme, "Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy and Grow Ghana" with the sub-theme, "Chocolate is for All; Eat, Taste, Share and Care".

The inception of the National Chocolate Day began in 2007 intended to create awareness of the health benefits of cocoa and to promote sustainable patronage of cocoa products.

The celebration would climax with a float on the principal streets of Accra and end it with a durbar at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

"Let's use the season to give chocolates to friends, family members and loved ones. It is a unique opportunity to show love and promote Ghanaian brand of chocolates," Madam Dzifa Gomashie stated.