The government has launched the 2022 National Chocolate Week to increase the local consumption of chocolate made in the country.

For more than a decade, February 14 has been observed as National Chocholate Day in Ghana along with Valentine’s Day. This year, the celebration will be week-long to promote the domestic consumption of chocolate.

A number of activities were outlined on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Akuapim Mampong where the first cocoa seedlings brought by Tetteh Quarshie from Fernando Po to Ghana in 1876 were planted.

According to the Deputy Tourism Minister, Mark Okraku Mantey, the poor narrative about cocoa must be changed.

“Cocoa has been underrated by many Ghanaians, irrespective of its support to our economy and the health benefits that the world has identified. Cocoa powder has been identified by research to help reduce inflammation can protect one from diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.”

“I will, also on behalf of the President, plead with you all to eat chocolate, stay healthy and then together we grow Ghana,” he appealed.

The week-long celebration will take place from Saturday, February 12 to Tuesday, February 22, 2022 under the theme: ‘Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana’.

It is pegged under the sub-theme, ‘Our Chocolate, Our Health, Our Wealth’.

Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, urged Ghanaians to make good use of the celebration and help promote the concept behind the initiative.