channel247 online
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dazifa Gomashie, has used the floor of Parliament of Ghana to promote the consumption of locally produced chocolate as part of activities marking Ghana Chocolate Day.
Addressing Members of Parliament in Accra, the Minister highlighted the economic and cultural importance of Ghana’s chocolate industry and distributed locally manufactured chocolate to MPs, the Speaker and parliamentary staff to deepen awareness about the country’s cocoa value chain.
In a media interview after the engagement, she described Ghanaian chocolate as more than just a confectionery product, calling it “a brand, an identity, and an expression of love for our own products.” She emphasised that supporting locally made chocolate contributes directly to job creation, especially for young entrepreneurs and women operating across the production and distribution chain.
According to her, the industry has enabled many households to earn sustainable incomes and educate their children. She noted that empowering women economically strengthens families and communities, stressing that “job creation really puts food on the table.”
The Minister further urged citizens to prioritise Ghanaian goods, explaining that purchasing imported products leads to capital leaving the country while buying locally keeps money circulating within the national economy. She pledged to intensify campaigns encouraging the public to patronise Made-in-Ghana products.
She also explained that official celebrations were held on the last working day to allow wider participation, although Ghana Chocolate Day is observed annually on February 14.
The annual initiative promotes the consumption of locally manufactured chocolate, adds value to Ghana’s cocoa and builds national pride in one of the country’s key natural resources.
