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By Naillatu Iddrisu
The Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) says preparations are underway to mark this year’s National Chocolate Day with activities aimed at promoting healthy cocoa consumption while supporting Ghana’s cocoa value chain and local economy.
The Commercial and Sales Manager of CPC, Nana Ansong, said the company’s focus for the 2026 celebration is to deepen national participation by improving public access to locally processed cocoa products across the country.
According to him, retail points will be established at selected public and commercial locations, including the Accra Mall, Parliament House, the University of Ghana and other designated centres, to enable wider participation in the February 14 celebration.
Mr. Ansong explained that Chocolate Day, instituted to coincide with Valentine’s Day, has increasingly become a platform to promote the nutritional benefits of cocoa-based products and encourage healthier dietary choices among Ghanaians.
“As part of the long-term objective, the company is seeking to increase Ghana’s per capital chocolate consumption which has now stands at 1.0kg from about 0.5kg to 2kg, in line with global trends,” he said.
He noted that cocoa products manufactured locally, particularly those under the Golden Tree brand, contain natural cocoa content with proven health benefits, including antioxidants, compared to highly sugar-based alternatives on the market.
Mr. Ansong indicated that beyond local consumption, CPC envisions positioning Chocolate Day as a cultural and tourism-related event that could, over time, attract international visitors and boost domestic tourism, especially within Ghana’s cocoa-growing heritage.
While acknowledging plans to expand CPC’s presence in the global market, he said the immediate priority remains strengthening the African market by increasing access to affordable, locally processed cocoa products.
He also disclosed that CPC is exploring the introduction of additional cocoa-based products to complement existing offerings, as part of efforts to add value to Ghana’s raw cocoa production and create employment along the supply chain.
This year’s National Chocolate Day celebration is being organised in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), reinforcing efforts to link cocoa consumption, tourism promotion, and economic development.
National Chocolate Day is observed annually on February 14 to encourage Ghanaians to celebrate love through the consumption of locally made chocolate while supporting the domestic cocoa industry.
