A Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ghana Cocoa Board Company, Mr David Asare Oduro has hinted that the consumption of cocoa products in Ghana has increased over the last couple of years.
According to him, the per capita consumption of cocoa products in Ghana which hitherto stood at 0.52kg has gone up following the decision of by COCOBOD to support companies that need cocoa beans to produce more chocolate.
In addition to that, the Board introduced the ‘National Chocolate Week’ as part of its commitment to promote cocoa consumption in Ghana.
Due to the introduction, he projected that in about five years’ time, the per capita consumption of cocoa will increase to 0.58kg, and possibly, 1kg.
Speaking Atinka TV ‘s morning show, Ghana Nie with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Mr David Asare Oduro said the country’s target is to educate the populace to appreciate the health benefits of cocoa and consume more to achieve that 1kg per capita consumption.
“Our target is that in the next few years, we will hit 1kg as more and more Ghanaians get to know the nutritional benefits of cocoa” he said.
He also said that COCOBOD is encouraging investors to take advantage of the opportunities in the cocoa sector to come to Ghana to set up companies to boost employment creation.
Mr David Asare Oduro said currently, Ghana has 12 cocoa processing companies, while others are also doing it in smaller sizes to support the campaign.
When asked if Ghana had enough finished chocolates and will not depend on imports, he said the local companies are doing well to produce enough for the people.
Mr David Asare Oduro noted that there is enough chocolate at the Newly opened Chocolate City, saying all processors have been invited to showcase their products.
He said many Ghanaians have visited the venue since last Tuesday when it was opened and called on all to participate in the celebration happening in Accea and Kumasi concurrently
Ghana| Atinakonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Writer’s email: [email protected]
