Ghana Cocoa Board opens shop to boost cocoa product consumption 

GHANA – In an effort to enhance awareness and appreciation for cocoa products, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has inaugurated a shop in Sunyani, strategically located at the Cocoa House building.  

The move coincides with the start of this year’s chocolate week celebration, aiming to promote the nutritional values and versatility of cocoa among consumers. 

According to Frank Asante, Director of Production at CPC, Tema, CPC inaugurated in 1965 initially produced only three products – bar chocolate, pebbles, and milk beads. Over the years, CPC has expanded its range of products to include more items such as drinking powder.  

He said that the shop would enhance the retailing of cocoa products by ensuring close proximity to consumers and guaranteeing product availability. 

Michael Asumanu, COCOBOD Administrator in Sunyani, underscored the need for Ghanaians to make conscious efforts to increase their consumption of cocoa products. 

He highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with cocoa, citing its positive impact on skin health, blood circulation, and potential benefits for hypertensive and diabetic patients.  

He added that by consuming more cocoa products, Ghana could reduce reliance on foreign markets for the sale of cocoa and other cocoa products. 

Ghana is the world’s largest cocoa-producing country with a market share of about 20 percent. Cocoa contributes significantly to the country’s total foreign exchange earnings, second only to mineral exports. 

 While the cocoa sector’s overall contribution to GDP is about 3.5 percent, it makes up about a quarter of total export receipts, while also providing about two-thirds of cocoa farmers’ incomes. 

Togo wins 3 medals 

Concurrently, Togo has bagged three medals at the 2023 Cocoa of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam, Holland.  

The West African country won gold, bronze, and silver medals for the quality of its cocoa.  

The Cocoa of Excellence Awards celebrate and highlight the quality and diversity of cocoa, promoting the culture of excellence in the sector.

The competition is run by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), in partnership with the International Cocoa Organization. 

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