Accra, Ghana – February 11, 2026 – The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), has officially launched the 2026 National Chocolate Month at the Nationalism Park in Accra, calling on Ghanaians to increase the consumption of locally produced chocolate to support farmers, create jobs and grow the national economy.
Delivering the address on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Director for Tourism, Dr. Geoffrey Tamakloe, described cocoa as a symbol of Ghana’s agricultural excellence, tourism identity and economic resilience. He noted that the annual celebration, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, represents not only a season of love but also an opportunity for Ghanaians to show pride in one of the country’s most important natural resources.
Under the theme “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy and Grow Ghana – Experience Ghana, Share the Cocoa Love,” Dr. Tamakloe explained that the celebration forms part of the Government’s flagship Black Star Experience initiative and aligns with the 24-Hour Economy policy by promoting tourism, youth engagement and value creation across the cocoa supply chain. He added that key activities for the week include the Chocolate in the Park activation, chocolate appreciation initiatives at Parliament, nationwide outreach programmes distributing chocolate to schools and institutions, and educational tours to chocolate production facilities to promote experiential learning and domestic tourism.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, emphasized the need for Ghanaians to deliberately support locally produced chocolate, noting that although Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, the country captures only a small portion of the global chocolate industry’s value. She encouraged the public to choose Ghanaian chocolate during the Valentine season and beyond, stressing that doing so helps sustain farming families, supports local manufacturers and keeps more economic value within the country, describing the celebration as a national movement aimed at transforming cocoa from a raw export commodity into a source of pride, jobs and cultural tourism experiences.
Managing Director of the Cocoa Processing Company, Professor William Coffie, reaffirmed Cocoa Processing Company’s commitment to producing high-quality Ghanaian chocolate products, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand global recognition of Ghana-branded cocoa products. He announced that the Cocoa Processing Company factory would host guided tours, exhibitions, chocolate tastings and educational activities during the celebration to deepen public appreciation of the cocoa value chain and strengthen cocoa tourism.
The National Chocolate Month celebration unites local chocolate producers, industry stakeholders, tourism agencies and partners to promote chocolate consumption, value addition and pride in Ghana’s cocoa heritage, while strengthening collaboration to position Ghana as a global hub for authentic chocolate experiences.
Amongst distinguished speakers were Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Marketing and Special Duties) at the Ghana Tourism Authority; Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) at the Ghana Tourism Authority; and Mr. Jerome Kwame Sam, Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD.
Source: Amen Gbeblewu-PR Unit-MoTCCA
