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