News
Consume Made-in-Ghana chocolates — Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged Ghanaians to consume Made-in- Ghana chocolates to benefit from its rich nutrients, including antioxidants that boost the immune system.
She said this at the climax of this year’s National Chocolate Week celebration, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Cocoa Board and the Cocoa Processing Company on Friday, in Accra.
The celebration was on the theme ‘Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,’ with the sub-theme: ‘Chocolate for All: Taste, Share, and Care.’
The week-long celebration, coincided with the Valentine’s Day which is marked on February 14.
It was used to project the rich history and cultural significance of Ghana’s cocoa, and to remind Ghanaians of the importance of love, affection, and the joy of sharing chocolate with others.
“Chocolate is indeed a universal language that brings people together, and we are proud to be one of the world’s leading producers. By the celebration, we are not only promoting our local chocolate industry but also showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture and hospitality,” Madam Gomashie said.
The occasion was also to pay glowing tribute to Tetteh Quashie for introducing cocoa beans to Ghana from Fernando Po in the late 19th century, and to honour farmers who cultivate the prestigious crop, which was transformed into the sweet delight that brings joy to millions worldwide.
The Minister urged Ghanaians to taste, share, and care for local chocolates and continue to promote them, support cocoa farmers, and preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage.
She reiterated government’s commitment to providing resources, training, and market access to help Ghana’s chocolate industry to thrive.
The Chief Executive Officer, GTA, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, said the theme epitomised the need to inculcate in the people the habit of consuming cocoa in its various forms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has pledged Ghana’s continued commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
She made the statement at the UN High-Level Meeting marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Dr. Lartey said the Beijing Declaration, adopted in 1995, was a bold vision that recognized the advancement of women and girls as key to peace, justice, and sustainable development.
She added that while much progress had been made, the journey to full equality was still not complete.
She explained that the commemoration was of special importance to Ghana as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country’s national machinery for women.
She also highlighted that Ghana made history in January this year when its first female vice president was sworn into office, describing it as a breakthrough that showed the country’s determination to give women’s voices space in governance.
According to the minister, Ghana has strengthened its legal and policy framework by passing the Affirmative Action Act in 2024 and adopting a new gender policy to guide actions from 2025 to 2035.
She added that protection systems had been reinforced through the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service.
She pointed to Ghana’s focus on economic empowerment through programs such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the School Feeding Program, and the Microfinance and Small Loan Centers (MASLOC).
Plans, she said, were underway to establish a Women’s Development Bank to expand financial inclusion and provide affordable credit, especially for women in underserved areas.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Beijing Declaration was not just a promise written on paper but a call to action.
She urged the international community to recommit to removing barriers and giving women and girls equal opportunities.
She affirmed Ghana’s commitment to a future where no woman or girl is left behind.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Donkor, has commended the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and his team for their professionalism during an operation that dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate.
Speaking at the Police Headquarters in Accra, DCOP Donkor said the success of the operation was due to effective teamwork and tactical execution by the regional command.
She stressed that their dedication and courage played a major role in bringing down the gang, which had been terrorizing banks and rural financial institutions across the country.
She further praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his leadership and direction, which she said has strengthened the fight against armed robbery and improved public confidence in the police.
DCOP Donkor assured the public that investigations are ongoing and pledged that the police will not relent in pursuing the remaining suspects still at large.
She called on Ghanaians to continue to support the police with information that can help in combating crime.
By: Jacob Aggrey
