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Consumption of cocoa products boosts immune system-Chief Pharmacist
Cocoa drinks and products can help boost the immune system, Chief Pharmacist at the Cocoa Clinic in Accra, Dr. Edward Amporful, has said .
He explained that taking cocoa drink could help reduce blood clots on the brains especially of COVID patients and promote longevity, adding “cocoa products are natural blood thinners and would help reduce weight and diabetes.”
Dr Amporful, who is chairman of the Cocoa Consumption Committee, made these revelations when he delivered a talk on ‘ why consume cocoa products’ at the opening of Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) Sales Depot at COCOBOD warehouse at Kejabil, in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, on Thursday.
He indicated that cocoa, a good natural resource base for Ghana, had been a blessing over the years and, therefore, efforts must be made to utilise its potentials for health and longevity needs of the people.
Ghana, he noted, had in the past, pursued value addition programmes to cocoa products, but, it was not doing enough to boost consumption of the products.
Dr Amporful indicated that the European FoodSafety Authority had averaged at least 2.7 kilogrammes cocoa consumption per person dailybut regretted that, Ghana in its entirety was doing just about 50 grammes.
“Fifty grammes is not the way to go. At least 2.7 kilogrammes per person daily, according to European Food Safety Authority. That’s key. Cocoa consumption has a huge consequences for Africa to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area(ACFTA) and increase daily consumption.” he added.
Cocoa products, the Chief Pharmacist mentioned, had vitamins, fats and minerals better than what coffee could provide for a person, noting that but in Ghana, people consumed coffee more than cocoa, a good natural product.”
“It’s a complete food for the morning when you wake up at least take a bar of chocolate and be ready for the day, that’s your breakfast. The beauty of cocoa is that you can add or blend with everything even with your Hausa Koko.” Dr Amporful stressed.
He told the gathering that research had shown that cocoa products could help reduce high bold pressure, stroke in the elderly, increase brain power as well as reduce blood clots and even malaria.
Ghana, he said, was one of the 11 countries reporting high malaria cases but had not focused on cocoa consumption as one important health solution to reduce the burden of the disease on the citizens.
“Even with erectile dysfunction from head to toe, cocoa has more satisfaction and it’s by far ahead of time. We need to do about 5kg daily per person, and we are doing just 50 grammes.” Dr Amporful stated
From Clement Adzei Boye, Kejabil
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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