Local production of Golden Tree chocolates has resumed after months of shutdown for capacity expansion, however businesses that trade the products are disappointed at increased prices of the confectionery. While the Cocoa Processing Factory shut down, there was a marked shortage of the product which forced prices up to an all-time high. The large sized bar was selling for as much as 5 Ghana cedis, more than three times the factory price. It had been hoped that with the resumption of production, the product will be sold for the pre-shutdown price or at least significantly lower than the current price. Dealers however tell Joy Business, this is not the case. One such dealer at Kokomlemle in Accra, Elorm, said she was concerned about the viability of the business. She said it was regrettable a country that produces cocoa and manufactures chocolates out of cocoa locally should price the product so high. She believes the price hike detracts from the persistent attempts to encourage Ghanaians to consume made in Ghana products. Elorm is afraid many chocolate consumers may be forced by the price increases to turn to Chinese chocolates which she said is of low quality compared to the Golden Tree. She said the large sized bar which sold for GH¢1.5 before the shut down, and rose to as much as GH¢5 during the shortage, now sells at GH¢4 - something she believes is outrageous. Officials of the Cocoa Processing Company were not available for comment. Source: Joy News/Ghana