Tema, Feb. 12, — Some Ghanaians have appealed to the government to provide strategic support to local chocolate manufacturers to lower production costs and make cocoa-based products more accessible to the average citizen.
The call precedes this year’s National Chocolate Day celebration, as both traders and consumers raised concerns that escalating prices could dampen patronage, despite a growing public understanding of the health benefits associated with cocoa.
A businesswoman in Accra, said that current chocolate prices remain prohibitive for many families, particularly for schoolchildren who are the primary target of National Chocolate Day festivities.
She urged cocoa processing companies and the government to implement measures to curb distribution and production expenses to ensure broader participation in the annual celebration.
“National Chocolate Day is meant to encourage cocoa consumption among Ghanaians, especially children, but the prices make it difficult for many families to buy,” she remarked.
At the Tema Central Market, Maame Oforiwaa Amoaku, a trader specializing in cocoa products, noted that the high cost has led to significant customer hesitation. She explained that low patronage threatens her business sustainability, as large stocks risk expiring if they are not sold quickly.
“People ask for the prices and walk away. Because of that, I cannot stock in large quantities for fear of locking up my capital,” she noted.
Mr Kwaku Agyeman, a resident of Tema, emphasized that making chocolate affordable would serve a dual purpose: promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting domestic job creation. He added that increased local patronage would bolster small-scale businesses and stimulate domestic tourism during cocoa-related exhibitions.
Health experts continue to advocate for the moderate consumption of dark chocolate, citing its benefits for heart health, stress reduction, and immune system support.
National Chocolate Day is celebrated annually in Ghana on February 14, alongside Valentine’s Day, as part of a national strategy by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other stakeholders to promote value addition in the cocoa industry and encourage domestic consumption.
GHBUSS
12 Feb. 2026
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